Injured Everton centre-back Yerry Mina will be a ‘huge’ miss against Watford, according to Premier League pundit Paul Robinson.
The lowdown: Mina becomes latest Blues casualty
Mina lasted only 18 minutes in Sunday’s 2-1 victory against Leicester City before sustaining an injury, with Michael Keane coming on in his place.
It’s the sixth separate problem the Colombian has encountered this season, limiting him to just 11 Premier League starts.
Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko, who scored the opener, also left the action midway through the second half after suffering from cramp.
Frank Lampard has now confirmed that the calf issue will sideline Mina for Wednesday’s trip to Watford, but Mykolenko is fine.
Everton head to Vicarage Road gunning for what could be three decisive points in the battle for survival. Victory would take them four points above Leeds United with just three games to play.
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The latest: Huge…
Robinson, speaking before the Ukraine star was passed fit, says both Mina and Mykolenko have been in excellent form recently, and thinks Everton could suffer from the former’s absence.
However, he’s confident that the Toffees have still done enough to survive.
“They really have been outstanding,” he told Football Insider.
“I don’t think their injuries will matter though. I think Everton are safe. The last two wins have done wonders for them.
“I truly believe it’s between Burnley and Leeds now. Everton have momentum after those two performances. They will take care of themselves now.
“Mina and Mykolenko will be huge misses but I think they’ve done enough. I’m sure they’ll be safe come the end of the season.”
The verdict: Another one?
Everton have been hit extremely hard by injuries this season, and that’s part of the reason why they’ve struggled.
As of 5 April, they had picked up more injuries than any other team in the Premier League (via Ben Dinnery).
For Mina in particular, it’s been a stop-start campaign, and he could leave the club with a decision to make.
Might it be wise to cash in on the £18million-rated 27-year-old if he’s so rarely available, and replace him with someone who’s comparatively bulletproof?
In other news, Robinson also reacted to links with this defender.
