Everton have been handed a potential boost over the fitness of Nathan Patterson.
The Everton right-back was stretchered off just 20 minutes into Scotland’s Nations League win over Ukraine on Wednesday night with concerns over his fitness after he indicated pains in his leg and his knee. The medical team at Hampden Park needed more than five minutes to treat Patterson before he was withdrawn from the pitch.
Now, according to the Scottish Daily Express , the injury to the 20-year-old is deemed “not serious”. The report also claims that Patterson is only expected to be sidelined for a short period of time, but does not elaborate any further.
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A source is quoted in the report saying: "The injury is not as bad as first feared but he will see a specialist on Tuesday for confirmation."
Despite this latest report, as it stands there has been no new update from Everton on Patterson. However, the player himself has spoken on Twitter this evening, before Scotland's clash at home to Republic of Ireland, for whom Blues captain - and Patterson's likely replacement in Frank Lampard's starting line-up - Seamus Coleman is on the bench.
Patterson said: "My face whenever I miss a game. So far, so good and keeping fingers crossed for positive news this week. Good luck to the Scotland boys tonight."
Patterson has been a key player for Lampard’s side this season, playing the full 90 minutes in all seven league fixtures. This came after he missed the final two months of last season with an ankle injury.
Everton return to action next Saturday away to Southampton.
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