Frank Lampard fears Nathan Patterson could now be out for the season through injury and admits the Everton ace is ‘frustrated’ at not making his Premier League debut on Sunday.
Patterson has seldom featured since switching Glasgow for Merseyside during the winter market under Rafa Benitez. The Rangers product has played just 45 minutes since a £12m move that could reach £16m with add-ons, having exited the action at half-time on debut.
Lampard hauled the right-back off at the break at home to non-league Boreham Wood in the FA Cup in March. He then omitted the Scotland star from two of his next three Premier League matchday sides. Yet Patterson dazzled over the recent break with the Tartan Army.
Patterson showed Lampard what he can offer Everton when given a chance for Scotland in their friendly against Poland. He constantly charged down the right-flank to offer attacking support and create chances. Steve Clarke’s side simply could not feed him the ball enough.
Seemingly, the Glasgow natives’ efforts caught the Blues boss’ attention, as well. Lampard informed Patterson he would make his Premier League debut as Everton visited West Ham United last Sunday. But an ankle injury put pay to his plans for the London Stadium clash.
Frank Lampard admits Nathan Patterson is ‘frustrated’ as Everton ponder surgery
Lampard has confirmed Everton sent Patterson to see a specialist to define the severity of his injury. He now admits the defender’s season is ‘possibly’ over as he may need surgery.
“Patterson will be out for a certain period of time,” Lampard said, via quotes by the Daily Record. “He’s been down to see a specialist about his ankle and we’re looking at having a small operation this week. So, he’ll be out.”
The Toffees boss adds the 20-year-old’s blow upset him, having pushed his English top-flight bow back to next term. But he will now have a chance to hit reset for the new season.
“He was due to make his debut, he knew that,” Lampard said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “That’s the big disappointment. He’s a bit frustrated, but the timing means he’ll have the summer to really get over [the injury]. He’ll get the right support in the short-term.”
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