"That's going to hurt Everton" – Journalist reacts to major double setback for Frank Lampard

Journalist Pete O’Rourke reckons that injuries to both Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey could “hurt” Everton.

The pair have both suffered injuries in Frank Lampard’s short reign as Toffees boss, which have reduced his defensive options.

Godfrey had been enjoying a long run in the team, starting 20 games on the bounce in all competitions.

However, the former Norwich defender was forced off in Lampard’s first game against Brentford last Saturday with a hamstring problem and is facing a spell on the sidelines after the scan he underwent on Monday confirmed a tear.

Mina replaced him in the FA Cup fourth round tie and played the remaining 76 minutes as Everton cruised into the next round. But the Colombian lasted just 35 minutes against Newcastle on Tuesday having been taken off due to a quad injury.

Lampard revealed that Mina will be assessed in the coming days, but is “concerned”, especially after losing Godfrey just three days earlier.

Everton haven’t kept a clean sheet for 12 games, and O’Rourke believes that this is the last thing that Lampard needed.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They are key players for this Everton side right now and probably the position you don’t want to be losing players is in defence.

“Mina and Godfrey both maybe facing spells on the sidelines, that’s going to hurt Everton.”

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Lampard has deployed a back three in his first two games as manager, picking Mason Holgate and Michael Keane to partner Godfrey. His injury then allowed Mina to line up in defence, although his loss has left Lampard with a big decision ahead of the crucial meeting with Leeds on Saturday.

Jarrad Branthwaite came on for Mina and played the final 55 minutes against