Everton Football Club have confirmed that defender, Mason Holgate will potentially be available for selection for their match against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, having missed most of the season to date through an injury picked up in late August.
Mason’s injury in the blue’s 1-1 draw with Brentford is considered one of the main reasons for Everton’s recent defensive solidity, with Frank Lampard not being able to play his preferred back 5, opting instead for a back 4 with newcomers, James Tarkowski and Conor Coady being the two centre-halves. With the pair making up the back two, the toffees have conceded just 4 goals in 5 Premier League games, making them one of the best partnerships in the league.
The England youth international had previously earned himself a place in the starting 11 under new manager, Frank Lampard prior to his injury, starting all league games under Lampard since his arrival before his injury. He also scored in Lampard’s first game as EFC manager, a 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup.
In an interview, Mason Holgate was asked about his injury: [via @everton – twitter]
“The timing wasn’t ideal… but it’s part of football. Hopefully I come back stronger and better”
The Englishman was also asked about the role that Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have took at the club since signing during the summer and whether he thinks he can break back into the team:
“‘Coads’ and ‘Tarky’ have brought in a massive amount of experience and leadership into the team, I think it’s quite clear to see that”
“Hopefully I can come back in and help the team, they are obviously doing well so it is going to be hard to get back in, but that’s a part of the challenge”
"Coads and Tarky have brought in a massive amount of experience and leadership into the team."
— Everton (@Everton) October 11, 2022
Mason joined us on #EvertonLive at the weekend and talked about the new Blues at the back, his pending return from injury and the squad's togetherness on and off the pitch. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/2JYs2rkfOF
With the recent injury to first-choice right back, Nathan Patterson and with club captain Seamus Coleman turning 34 this week, could we see Mason put in at right back for the blue’s fixture next week against Tottenham Hotspur?