Yerry Mina ‘is a major doubt’ ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brighton & Hove Albion which means Mason Holgate looks ‘set to deputise’ for Everton, according to BBC Sport.
Mina picked up a knee injury in the Toffees’ 2-0 win over West Ham United and hasn’t trained this week. Holgate replaced the Colombian international against West Ham and should be given the nod at centre-back.
Marco Silva will be short on cover, however. The Everton manager may have to turn to Morgan Feeney & Lewis Gibson to be on the bench in case of another injury.
Phil Kirkbridge of the Liverpool Echo says Mina will be given a chance to prove his fitness before a decision is made, but it doesn’t look good. Silva was pessimistic about the defender’s chances of returning in midweek.
Holgate has made four appearances in all competitions this season, racking up 197 minutes of football, so he may be lacking match sharpness. The 23-year-old had struggled for form previously too.
Nevertheless, until Everton sign another central defender, Silva will have to make do with his current options – the January transfer window will give Everton a chance to strengthen their backline.