Huge blow: Everton dealt fresh injury setback ahead of NUFC, Frank will be frustrated - opinion

Everton have had a number of injury issues over the season so far, with numerous setbacks to key players meaning it has been a struggle to gain some consistency in the team.

That has ultimately led to the situation the club has found themselves in now fully engaged in a relegation battle, but Frank Lampard has delivered a further setback.

The Toffees boss took to his pre-match press conference to give an update on the injuries currently affecting the squad and has given more clarity on the extent of Yerry Mina’s injury, after he was side-lined in the Newcastle United clash in early February.

Lampard told the media;

“Mina is a few weeks away still, at best, so that one is slightly parked. He’s working very, very hard, so that’s good to see.”

At this stage of the season and with the team in a vulnerable position when it comes to their relegation troubles, Mina’s continued absence will surely leave Lampard frustrated, as the problems with the defence deepen.

Mina has been undoubtedly one of Everton’s best defenders this season and it reflects in the results that the team have had when he plays in the side, with the defender starting in the backline in five out of the six victories the side have achieved this term so far, so his impact is clearly a huge loss.

Jonjoe Kenny was sent off against Wolves following two yellow cards, weakening the manager’s options in the backline further ahead of their game against the Magpies as he will serve a one match ban, and with Mina injured too, the Toffees boss is limited to his options and will likely need to change formation to accommodate the changes needed in defence.

The 43-year-old manager must inspire confidence and resilience into his team this evening to ensure they can take