Everton have confirmed the devastating news that Ben Godfrey’s injury is more serious than expected and required surgery which will keep him out until Christmas.
The defender suffered a shocking leg break just 10 minutes into the Premier League opener against Chelsea at weekend, which Everton lost 1-0. Manager Frank Lampard’s initial assessment was that it was a ‘small fracture’ which would keep him out for two months.
However, scans showed more extensive damage and the decision was taken for the defender to go under the surgeon’s knife on Monday, with the club stating: “Ben Godfrey underwent successful surgery this morning on the fractured fibula he sustained during Saturday’s Premier League opener against Chelsea at Goodison Park.
“The defender will now begin rehabilitation at Finch Farm under the care of the Club’s medical team and is expected to be out for around three months.”
That will see Godfrey sidelined until at least mid-November. With the World Cup due to begin then and taking into account the playing time required to return to match fitness, it means he won’t play again until the Premier League resumes.
That date is set for Boxing Day, when Everton are due to entertain Wolves. It is a target for the defender, whose hopes of pushing his World Cup claims with England were dashed by the injury.
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It came under unfortunate circumstances as his back pass went out of play but wasn’t spotted by the assistant referee. This meant he challenged Chelsea striker Kai Havertz and saw his leg bend and snap under him.
Lampard, though, remained confident after the game that Godfrey will return better than ever with the help of the Everton medical staff.
The club also confirmed that Yerry Mina suffered an ankle ligament injury in the game and will also be sidelined for several months. He too may not be back until October or November.
A statement read: “Yerry Mina sustained an ankle ligament injury in the second half of Saturday’s match and will see a specialist this week to discover the full extent of the problem before undergoing treatment at Finch Farm.”
