JORDAN PICKFORD’S thigh injury is causing some concern for Everton and England — but could be simply down to his KICKING.
The keeper, 28, was feeling pain in a thigh before breaking down in the Merseyside derby and he faces at least a month out.
An Everton statement read: “Jordan Pickford suffered a thigh injury against Liverpool.
“The England international has undergone medical investigations this week and is not expected to return to action until after the next international break.”
Now the Toffees’ medical team are planning to assess Pickford during rehab.
The Goodison Park outfit fear his powerful striking of the ball is causing the issue.
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His long ball ability was there for all to see in Everton’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest last month.
The former Sunderland shot-stopper produced the pass of the season so far as he played in Demarai Gray to equalise late on.
Pickford’s injury will be a huge blow for England ahead of their upcoming Uefa Nations League games with Italy and Germany at the end of September.
And his absence in the team will give Arsenal ace Aaron Ramsdale the chance to impress boss Gareth Southgate in his quest to be the Three Lions’ No1.
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There has been much debate as to who should start in the World Cup with Ramsdale impressing since he joined the Gunners from Sheffield United last year.
And with Nick Pope dazzling between the sticks for Newcastle, Southgate will be given food for thought ahead of the global tournament in Qatar.
But Pickford is expected to keep his place as Southgate’s No1 with the player in fine form this campaign having starred against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
It remains to be seen if Everton will dip into the free market to snap up another goalkeeper with third choice Andy Lonergan out with a knee injury.
Veteran Asmir Begovic will be expected to fill Pickford’s shoes, with academy ace Billy Cremlin Frank Lampard’s only other alternative.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
