Everton defender Ben Godfrey was taken to hospital after suffering a fracture to his leg in the Premier League game against Chelsea on Saturday evening.
Godfrey, 24, attempted to make a last-ditch tackle on Kai Havertz after Everton gave the ball away. The England international cleanly took the ball, but his right ankle got trapped underneath his body at the point of impact. Any Chelsea goal would've been disallowed as replays showed the ball had already gone out of play.
Godfrey appeared to be in agony as team-mate Jordan Pickford called for the stretcher. A lengthy delay followed as Godfrey received oxygen. It's believed he was taken to hospital after being stretchered off across the pitch to the car park exit, not the dressing room. Mason Holgate was brought on to replace the stricken defender.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has confirmed Godfrey suffered a small fracture to his right fibula. He is expected to be out for "months rather than weeks".
The York City academy graduate, who suffered rejection after being released by Middlesbrough as a kid, joined Everton from Norwich in October 2020 and has been a key part of the team since. He's made 55 Premier League appearances to date.
Godfrey was named Everton's Young Player of the Season in 2020-21 - his debut campaign for the Merseyside club - but was restricted to just 23 Premier League outings last term due to injury. He's now set for another spell on the sidelines.
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"There were periods of time when Bed Godfrey was the best defender for Everton last season, he's been a class act," Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live. "He can play at left-back, left centre-back, right centre-back, anywhere and he has often been the best player in the team so it's a huge moment for Everton and maybe this early part of the season."
Godfrey was eyeing-up a spot in England's World Cup squad before the injury. "Even though I enjoyed making my England debut, not making that Euro squad, I use that as fuel now," he told Sky Sports in April. "I saw the level that I need to get to if I want to stay in squads. That is what I have my eye on now. Wanting to do well, it is an addiction."
On his journey from non-league to the Premier League, Godfrey added: "It is a strange old journey. I looked up to those lads in academies at big clubs when doing my scholarship at York but in the long run is that beneficial for them? I am not so sure.
"I have friends who were at so-called bigger clubs than me at a younger age and we just passed each other. But every path is different, there is not just one route to success, you have to try to consider the best options presented to you in line with your goals.
"I started out down the non-league route and hopefully that inspires other young players who may have been released that there are different routes to still making it in the game.
"I had to really believe in myself and never forget to put in those extra hours of hard work. I had to have that confidence that I would always make it to where I wanted to be. I am so grateful for the ups and the downs because they have got me to where I am today. I would not change any of it for the world."
