Everton boss Frank Lampard has provided some encouraging news regarding Manchester United loanee Donny Van de Beek after the midfielder was forced off in the Toffees’ 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the weekend.
The Netherlands international was substituted for Dele Alli in the second half after going down hurt inside his own penalty area. The 24-year-old needed treatment with Lampard stating post-game that he hoped it was nothing more than cramp.
Indeed, the issue does not seem serious with Lampard revealing Van de Beek has returned to training as normal over the past few days. “Donny’s fine,” he said, (via the Liverpool Echo ). “He's been training this week."
READ MORE: Phil Foden teased by Man City teammate before spectacular FA Cup assist
The former Ajax playmaker has started three league games since making the temporary switch over to Goodison Park. However, he finds himself in the midst of a relegation battle, having lost three of the four games he’s played in.
Everton are just a point above the drop zone having won just six of their 24 Premier League games this season. But Everton fans were encouraged by their display in their 1-0 defeat to City, in which Van de Beek was one of the standout performers.
He is hoping to kickstart his career again after a dismal time since arriving at United — where his playing time was severely limited under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick. The Dutchman, who reached the Champions League semi-finals with Ajax in 2019, admitted he has a point to prove while on loan at Everton.
When asked about this, he said: “Yes, but it is also for everyone around me. If I play well, I do it for them, for my girlfriend and for my family and friends. I want to give joy to those people. And to the fans. Then I want to do it for myself.”
Everton face Boreham Wood in the FA Cup on Thursday, but Van de Beek will play no part due to being cup-tied having featured in United’s 1-0 Third Round win over Aston Villa in January.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
Catch up on all the latest Reds headlines in our Man United section
