Everton Injury Crisis Deepens as Patterson Ruled Out for Season

Everton's injury woes have worsened with the news that defender Nathan Patterson will miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury that requires surgery. The Scotland international suffered the injury in the dying moments of Everton's 6-0 loss to Chelsea on Monday. "It's a real blow, first and foremost for him," said Everton manager Sean Dyche. "He's a young man who's been trying to get games and force his way into the team."

The injury leaves Everton's right-back position uncertain, with captain Seamus Coleman also picking up a groin injury in the Chelsea match. Dyche expressed hope that Jarrad Branthwaite, who was substituted as a precaution, would be available for their critical match against Nottingham Forest this weekend along with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Idrissa Gana Gueye, who missed the Chelsea game with minor injuries.

Patterson's injury is not only a setback for Everton but also potentially for Scotland, as it raises doubts about his availability for the Euro 2024 finals this summer. Scotland head coach Steve Clarke may have to do without his top two right-backs, with Brentford's Aaron Hickey also working his way back from a long-term injury.

Why this matters: Everton's mounting injury problems come at a critical time as they battle to avoid relegation, currently sitting just two points above the drop zone. The loss of Patterson and uncertainty over other key players could severely impact their survival chances in the final weeks of the season.

Dyche described the situation as a "perfect storm" with multiple injuries and a heavy loss but stressed the importance of the fans' support and the team's responsibility to repay them in their upcoming matches. Everton face three crucial games in a week that will define their survival outlook, and Dyche will need to find the right formula with his depleted squad to secure the points they desperately need.

Key Takeaways

• Everton defender Nathan Patterson out for season due to hamstring injury
• Captain Seamus Coleman also injured, leaving right-back position uncertain
• Injury concerns for other key players like Calvert-Lewin and Gueye
• Injuries come at critical time as Everton battle relegation, 2 points above drop zone
• Everton face 3 crucial games in a week to define their survival outlook