Keane, Delph, Godfrey & rest: Everton injuries and return dates ahead of Wolves and Newcastle
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Everton have two upcoming huge games in their Premier League survival bid.
An embarrassing 5-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday left the Toffees teetering over the edge of the relegation zone.
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Hide AdFrank Lampard’s men are just one point and one place above the bottom three with 13 games remaining.
Indeed, the threat of the drop looms large and many concur that their form at Goodison Park will be crucial.
Everton have won just once on the road all season so picking up results at home is imperative.
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Hide AdHere’s a look at the current injury situation among the Everton squad.
Demarai Gray - illness
What happened
The winger returned from a hip injury before being sidelined once again.
Gray, who has recorded six goals and three assists this season, has missed the past two matches.
What's been said
Following the Tottenham loss, Lampard confirmed that Gray was already back in training.
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Hide AdHe said: “Demarai has been out for most of the time I’ve been here.
“He hasn’t been well but he’s back in training now at Finch Farm and is hopefully available for the weekend.”
Potential return: Wolves (H), Sunday 13 March.
Ben Godfrey - hamstring
What happened
The England international suffered a huge blow just minutes into Lampard's first game as Everton boss.
Godfrey suffered his issue in the 4-1 defeat of Brentford and required crutches to leave Goodison Park.
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Hide AdThe centre-back has subsequently missed the past six matches.
What's been said
Godfrey has been back out on the grass for a couple of weeks undergoing individual training.
Lampard confirmed the ex-Norwich defender was due to return to full training this week.
“Ben should be fit for us also this week. Hopefully, we’ll have him training with us from Wednesday onwards,” he said after Tottenham.
Potential return: Wolves (H), Sunday 13 March.
Michael Keane - illness
What happened
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Hide AdThe centre-back was withdrawn at half-time in the Tottenham defeat.
Keane came off shortly after he was struck in the face by Mason Holgate's clearance - but because of a pre-match problem.
What's been said
After the game, Lampard said: “Michael has been unwell for the last couple of days.
“To be fair to him, he put himself up for selection. We’re short on centre-backs.
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Hide Ad“Michael was more that he was struggling off the back of not feeling great.”
Potential return: Wolves (H), Sunday 13 March or Newcastle (H), Thursday 17 March.
Fabian Delph - thigh
What happened
The experienced midfielder hasn't played for Everton for almost three months - the 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace on 12 December.
Delph has a thigh issue and has managed just six appearances all season.
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Hide AdHe was pictured in what appeared to be light training out on the grass last week, though.
What's been said
Speaking on 17 February, Lampard said that Delph would be three weeks away.
"Fabian Delph is similar [to Ben Godfrey]. Maybe 2-3 weeks,” the boss said.
Potential return: N/A
Yerry Mina - quad
What happened
The Colombia centre-back broke down in the 3-1 loss to Newcastle United last month.
That was Lampard's second match he was at the helm for.
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Hide AdMina has not required surgery for his setback but a long-term absence was always expected.
What's been said
Lampard gave an update on Mina after the Tottenham reverse and confirmed the defender could be unavailable for at least another five weeks.
The boss said: Yerry Mina is going to be another four or five weeks, at least.
“We don’t have options in that area of the pitch. As you see with any squad, if you lose your two main centre halves, it makes things very difficult.
Potential return: N/A
Tom Davies
What happened
The homegrown midfielder underwent hamstring surgery in January.
He’s not been registered in Everton’s 25-man Premier League squad as he continues his rehab.
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