Frank Lampard has confirmed that Nathan Patterson will be out for around eight to ten weeks after picking up an ankle injury prior to Everton's defeat at West Ham on Sunday. The right-back was set to make his Premier League debut for the club at the London Stadium on Sunday.
However, in training shortly before the match, the manager confirmed that the youngster rolled his ankle in a session at Finch Farm, ruling him out of the clash. Confidence was high around the Scotland international after his impressive performances for his country over the recent international break.
And, speaking about the condition of Patterson, Lampard confirmed that his injury could rule him out for the rest of the season. The right-back was also confirmed to be preparing for surgery this week.
READ MORE: Everton 'panic mode' concern as Frank Lampard's Burnley challenge becomes clear
YOUR SHOUT: Pick your Everton team to face Burnley in the Premier League
The Everton boss said: " Nathan Patterson will be out for a certain period of time. He went to see a specialist for his ankle and we're looking at having a small operation later this week. So he'll be out.
"He was due to make his debut, he knew that. He'd waited his time, performed well for Scotland, and that's the big disappointment.
"So he is frustrated, but at the same time it's easier when you're slightly older to tell him that he's young, he's got so much time. The timing probably means he has the summer to probably get over it and be fighting fit for the start of next season.
"He'll get all the support in the short term and he'll be back. Possibly [his season is over], the diagnosis we have is that it's looking like an eight to ten week injury."
There was some positive news elsewhere on the injury front for Everton ahead of their trip to face Burnley on Wednesday. Fabian Delph will be back to help cover a midfield position in which the Blues do seem light in terms of numbers.
Seamus Coleman will also be back with the squad, but Donny van de Beek will miss the match having sustained a thigh injury shortly before the clash with West Ham at the weekend.
"Fabian Delph is back in the squad, which is good news for us. He's been working hard to get back in there," Lampard confirmed.
"It's a position where we haven't got a lot of players in the squad, that natural defensive position. He has those attributes and thought-process in terms of playing. Trying to keep him fit in this period is crucial for us.
"Yerry Mina isn't fit yet, Andros Townsend is long-term. Seamus is actually better now having been not well and he'll be in the squad, whether he can start will be one to keep an eye on over the next 24 hours.
"Donny won't be fit, it's a small grade thigh injury. He can't play Manchester United at the weekend anyway so he'll be fit for our next game."
