Everton are taking on West Ham United today but are having to go without midfielder Donny van de Beek after picking up an injury in the warm-up.
The Toffees are in a real battle against relegation and need every bit of help they can get in order to avoid dropping into the Championship.
Spare a thought for Frank Lampard then as his bad luck took another turned before the first whistle was even sounded against West Ham.
During the Everton warm-up, loanee Van de Beek looked to be in discomfort just minutes before kick off.
Everton then announced that Van de Beek was indeed out of the game, replacing him with Mason Holgate in midfield.
That’s a major blow for all involved, with Van de Beek still yet to get going in English football after joining Manchester United in 2020.
The reason behind Van de Beek’s absence has now been explained as the Dutchman cuts a somewhat glum figure sat in the London Stadium stands.
Sky Sports commentator Bill Leslie stated just two minutes into the game that word from Everton is that Van de Beek suffered a thigh injury in the warm-up.
Everton then decided not to risk Van De Beek, leaving him out completely given that they will need the Dutchman in the run-in.
The hope is that Van de Beek’s injury isn’t a major problem and that he can be back soon, but his absence today doesn’t help their cause.
At the time of writing, West Ham lead 1-0 at half time thanks to a superb Aaron Cresswell free kick, arrowing a strike past Jordan Pickford.
Everton’s midfield haven’t quite got hold of the game, and Lampard may well be wishing that Van De Beek was out there to aid the Toffees.
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