Big blow: Frank hit with huge Everton setback in relegation battle, he'll be gutted - opinion

Everton will host Brentford at Goodison Park this afternoon in their penultimate Premier League home match of the season, and although the Toffees’ home record is much better than when they play away, there has been some disappointing injury news which could be a huge blow for Frank Lampard.

The Toffees manager took to his pre-match press conference to deliver the bad news that Fabian Delph will not be available for selection after sustaining an injury.

Lampard told the press (via Liverpool Echo): “Fabian won’t be fit for the game against Brentford, we’ll see for the rest of the season. It’s a small injury, a muscle injury, but it’s an injury and enough to keep him out of this game.”

There is no doubt that Delph has made a huge difference since he returned to the team following a long-term injury which kept him out of the side for most of the season, and his influence will surely be sorely missed in midfield when you consider how his impact aligns with the team’s recent results.

After suffering a hamstring injury in January and missing 12 games for Everton, the 32-year-old returned to action just in time to make a crucial impact for his team in the middle of the park last month, and Lampard’s selection of the experienced midfielder seriously paid off.

In their last six games, Everton have won three, drawn two and lost one, with Delph featuring in every match apart from the one they lost, illustrating that he has become a real leader and a hugely positive influence for the team since his return.

That being said, it will be interesting to see how the Toffees manage without him against Brentford today. However, they have had a potential boost in midfield with Donny Van de Beek available for selection either today or against