Everton defender Nathan Patterson has shared an update on social media after undergoing ankle surgery.
The full-back had impressed onlookers in the recent international break, where he starred for Scotland against Poland. And Frank Lampard confirmed that Patterson was subsequently set to make his Premier League debut against West Ham this month.
However, the Everton boss shared that the 20-year-old had suffered an ankle injury in a training session at Finch Farm and would require an operation. Despite his latest setback for the Blues, Patterson was all smiles on Friday as he posted a picture on Twitter.
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Sitting with his thumb up and ankle in a cast, Patterson said: “Op went well. Thanks for all the nice messages. Back stronger.”
The injury was unfortunate timing for Patterson, who made clear his desire to play more games while away with the Scotland squad. Following his January move from Rangers, the right-back had been restricted to 45 minutes against Boreham Wood in the FA Cup, where he was replaced at half-time after Lampard decided to make a tactical switch..
The Everton boss discussed the challenges facing Patterson on Tuesday, ahead of the midweek defeat to Burnley. And the manager conceded that the Scotland international may have to wait until next season to force his way into the team.
"Nathan Patterson will be out for a certain period of time,” Lampard said . “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."
