Everton will make the short trip to Old Trafford this evening for an FA Cup third-round clash with Premier League rivals Manchester United, though a gutting injury blow has emerged...

What’s the latest?

Toffees boss Frank Lampard took to his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon to reveal that Nathan Patterson will be out of action for six weeks.

Lampard told the media:

"Nathan's out for six weeks, unfortunately. It’s a medial ligament injury.

"It’s a blow for us. He’s a young full-back who’s come in, broke through and done really well for us. We know that.

"Now it’s time for others to take that mantle and he’ll be back in six weeks.

"It seems a long time now but he’ll be back."

Lampard will be gutted

There is no doubt that Lampard will surely be frustrated with Patterson’s injury after already suffering from fitness issues earlier in the season and with pressure mounting on the 44-year-old it could be a devastating blow.

Everton are now firmly in the Premier League relegation zone following their 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Goodison Park earlier this week with just 15 points collected from a possible 54 over their first 18 outings.

Patterson has been one of the stand-out performers in the team since becoming the perceived successor to club captain Seamus Coleman this season, so losing him ahead of the clash with Man United is not ideal for the Everton boss.

Over 13 Premier League appearances, the 21-year-old Scotsman has created one big chance and has been successful in completing 44% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 53.9 touches, three tackles, 2.1 clearances and 4.9 duels won per game.

The Toffees right-back hasn’t had his huge presence for the Merseysiders gone unnoticed, with Danny Murphy lavishing praise on the youngster and hailing him a “diamond” on Match of the Day back in September 2022:

"He's got this desire to get forward and have an impact on the game, which I think is great. His defensive work is good, you can see the strength to keep the ball under pressure.

"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, the Goodison Park faithful will be hopeful that Patterson can make a speedy recovery as the battle with the bottom three is looking challenging for Everton over the second half of the season.