Everton boss Frank Lampard has suffered a ‘massive blow’ as an injury to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was ‘the last thing he needed’ at Goodison Park, according to journalist Dean Jones. The Toffees are still searching for their first win of the Premier League season, but Lampard will be unable to call upon his first choice shot-stopper in the coming weeks.
Everton have confirmed that Pickford suffered a thigh injury during the Merseyside derby with Liverpool last week and, following medical investigations, he is not expected to return to action until after the upcoming international break.
It is understood that a scan has revealed the damage is not serious but will keep him on the sidelines for at least four weeks, meaning the 28-year-old will miss the Toffees’ clash with West Ham United, along with England’s Nations League matches against Italy and Germany later this month.
According to The Athletic, Everton have considered drafting in a free agent as fellow goalkeeper Andy Lonergan also has a knee issue.