Everton now suffer 'blow' over 'outstanding' £16m star at Goodison Park | OneFootball

Everton have suffered a serious ‘blow’ after Nathan Patterson returned to Goodison Park with an injury and is set to miss a number of fixtures, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Toffees, who went into the international break sitting just three points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone, will be unable to call upon the right-back for the trip to Southampton on Saturday.

What’s the latest news involving Patterson?

Patterson was stretchered off after picking up an injury during Scotland’s Nations League clash with Ukraine last week.

The 20-year-old is now facing five weeks on the sidelines thanks to the ankle problem and will undergo treatment at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground.

Patterson went into the international break having made the right-back slot his own and played every minute since the Premier League campaign got underway, while he also started the Carabao Cup second round win over Fleetwood Town.

It comes after he only enjoyed 45 minutes of action, following Lampard’s appointment as Everton’s manager in January, heading into the 2022/23 season.

Patterson made the move to Goodison Park from Scottish giants Rangers during the winter window, with £16million splashed out on his services.

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Patterson?

O’Rourke believes Patterson’s injury will be a concern for Lampard as he looks to guide Everton further away from the Premier League’s bottom three.

The journalist feels the lay-off could not have come at a worse time for the Scotsman as he has been the Toffees’ most eye-catching star since the campaign got underway.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think it’s a blow for everybody concerned because Patterson has been the shining light for Everton this season.

“He’s finally got his run in the team and he’s deserved it as well. He has taken it with both hands and been an outstanding performer for Frank Lampard.

“Picking up that injury on international duty with Scotland couldn’t have come at a worse time for Patterson, who has finally established himself at the club.”

Who is likely to come into the starting line-up in Patterson’s absence?

Seamus Coleman is the only other senior right-back in Everton’s squad, so it is likely that he will come into Lampard’s first XI at Southampton this weekend.

The Irishman has been an impressive servant for the Merseyside outfit, having made 385 appearances since his move from Sligo Rovers.

But Patterson’s form has resulted in Coleman still searching for his first Premier League outing of the campaign.

The 33-year-old’s only action since the season got underway came in the Carabao Cup second round.