Everton will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon and Frank Lampard will be hoping his side gets back to picking up points after their six-game unbeaten run was spoilt by Manchester United last weekend.

What's the latest?

The Toffees boss took to his pre-match press conference to deliver an update on Nathan Patterson's recovery from an injury sustained whilst on international duty ahead of the clash in north London today.

Lampard told the media:

"We hope Patterson will be fit in two to three weeks."

It's good news for Everton

The Everton right-back's return in the coming weeks will be good news for Everton as he has become an integral part of the team following his regular inclusion in the starting eleven taking over from veteran club captain Seamus Coleman.

Patterson joined the Toffees in January but did not get a real taste for first-team football until the current campaign, quickly becoming a standout performer in the opening games of the season.

The Scottish full-back is the fourth highest-rated player in the entire Everton squad according to SofaScore, and it is unsurprising when taking a closer look at his output on the pitch so far.

Over seven league appearances, Patterson has created one big chance, making 1.3 interceptions, four tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, as well as winning 63% of his duels combined, proving that he is a consistent and reliable defensive force, also via SofaScore.

The young player has been the recipient of high praise this season, hailed a "diamond" by Danny Murphy following his performance in the Merseyside Derby last month (via Liverpool Echo):

"This young lad, Nathan Patterson, seems to have the lot. He is only 20, he came in January, physically, he is very, very good."

"He is a diamond, they really have got themselves a good player in the market. He is a terrific young player."

With that being said, there is no doubt that Lampard will be glad when Patterson returns to full fitness and can get stuck back into his important and influential role in the team as Everton endeavour to have a much more comfortable and stable season in the Premier League.