Everton will travel to the south coast this afternoon for their clash against Southampton, and Frank Lampard will be hoping that the Premier League win from last weekend will guide his side to another victory. However, a huge setback has emerged for the Toffees ahead of the game.

What's the word?

The Everton boss took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that Demarai Gray is still unavailable for selection, despite being tipped for a return in this game against Saints.

Lampard told the press;

"Demarai Gray won’t quite make it this weekend, we’re hopeful for the following week."

The 25 year old winger was struck down with a hip injury during the first half of the game against Newcastle United, and has not been available since.

Lampard will be fuming

Lampard will surely be fuming that the injury concerns continue to hinder the side, with the manager losing a number of experienced first team players since his arrival at Goodison Park less than a month ago.

Demarai Gray, Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina have all sustained injuries during the new manager's tenure so far, joining fellow first team starter Abdoulaye Doucoure on the injury table over the last few weeks, and the former Chelsea boss will be frustrated that he can't work with all of his most experienced players.

Whilst this will be a huge blow to Lampard's chances to have the optimum availability and depth for his side, the Toffees put on a fantastic performance against Leeds United last week and he will be hoping that the 3-0 win will inject a bit of confidence into his side ahead of the away fixture, especially since the side have only won one game away from home this season.

Everton could climb as high as 14th in the Premier League table this weekend if they can take all three points from St Mary's this afternoon and other results go their way, however Southampton have only lost one game in their last five, so Ralph Hasenhuttl's side will be one of Lampard's most difficult fixtures to date as Toffees manager.

In other news: Frank Lampard must unleash Dele Alli against Southampton