Everton have suffered numerous injury issues over the last 18 months with the club tallying up the worst injury record in the Premier League last season, and now another blow to a key player has emerged.

What's the latest?

The Daily Mail's Craig Hope revealed an injury blow to Nathan Patterson who was stretchered off the pitch during last night's Nations League clash between Scotland and Ukraine.

Hope tweeted the following during the encounter at Hampden Park:

"Bad news for Scotland (and Everton), right-back Nathan Patterson has been forced off with what looks like an ankle injury. He's been v impressive for club & country. They've sent for a stretcher. #efc"

International break ruined

There is no doubt that Frank Lampard will be absolutely fuming with the news that another one of his players has potentially sustained a serious injury, especially a player who has been so influential in the team's improved performances of late.

Patterson has become a first-team regular over the Premier League season so far after signing for the club back in January, and has so far become the Seamus Coleman heir Lampard could only have dreamt of.

The 20-year-old Scotsman who was dubbed "excellent" by his manager has been a standout performer in the Toffees team and is currently the sixth highest rated player (7.04) in the entire squad according to SofaScore.

Over seven league performances, Patterson has created one big chance, made 1.3 interceptions, four tackles, 2.7 clearances and won a whopping six duels per game, proving that he has been the defensive sensation that Everton have been crying out for and his hard work has translated into the results.

Everton are currently unbeaten in their last five outings with four draws and one win which will leave the Goodison Park faithful absolutely elated after such a traumatic last campaign, but the injury concerns are piling up yet again and Lampard will be hoping he has enough quality in the team to exercise some damage control.

Jordan Pickford, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all key players that have been sidelined with various injury issues over the season so far, and adding Patterson to that list will be a real knock to the starting line-up as he is clearly now a depended upon starter in the team.

With that being said, it remains to be seen how serious Patterson's injury is as he will now go under assessment to see what the extent of the damage is. Lampard will be hoping that the young talent can recover quickly so he can be available for when the Premier League resumes next month. If he isn't fit, it will very much be a ruined international break for the Toffees.