Everton confirmed on their official website that Yerry Mina suffered a muscle tear during training last week.
The injury will see him sidelined for several weeks which would mean that he will miss most, if not all, of the remainder of the season.
This is by no means a new problem for Everton. The Toffees went into the season with just three natural central defenders. They have been lucky with injuries so far, but they can’t make the same mistake this summer.
Gabriel Magalhaes is one player who was heavily linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer , but the rumours have quietened down.
Everton need to keep their options open in case Gabriel decides to go elsewhere. One player who is likely to be available is Arsenal’s Rob Holding.
Football London revealed recently that Mikel Arteta would be open to letting the young defender leave this summer.
That isn’t ideal for Arsenal considering that they are short of quality defenders themselves. However, Holding is the one player who would command a good transfer fee and Everton should capitalise on the Gunners’ need for money.
Holding, still only 24, has proven himself in the Premier League. He was one of Unai Emery’s most important players until a long-term injury ruined his campaign.
The injury has limited Holding to just nine appearances in all competitions this season. The former Bolton man, when fit, is a brilliant defender with enormous potential.
His performance against Chelsea in the FA Cup final a few years ago, where he contained Diego Costa without too much trouble, showed exactly what he is capable of, and Arsenal preparing to letting him go comes in as a surprise.
However, Arsenal’s loss could be Everton’s gain if they are smart in the transfer window. Holding would be a fantastic partner to Holgate and the duo can lead Everton’s, and even possibly England’s, defence for years to come.
Holding is by no means the finished product but under a manager like Carlo Ancelotti, he should be able to fulfil his enormous potential very soon. If the price is not too high, it is a no-brainer for Everton be in the mix to sign him this summer.
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