One of the great things about Frank Lampard is his straight-talking approach when asked a question about Everton.
But if you were Jean-Philippe Gbamin, you would not have perhaps enjoyed listening to his manager being so open and honest on Saturday evening.
Speaking in the immediate aftermath of his side’s 2-0 defeat to Southampton, the Blues boss was asked about next weekend's clash with Manchester City.
“Since I’ve been here at the club we’ve got injuries to big players. We’re missing Ben Godfrey today, missing (Abdoulaye) Doucoure, missing Demarai Gray, Fabian Delph,” Lampard replied to the question.
“I’ve missed anyone out? What I am saying is that they are big players for the club and sometimes your decisions are half made for you by the injuries in the squad.
“And the rest of them are made for you by things you want to select for the game. So we will have to see who is able and ready.
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“Doucoure might be close to being fit for the game, and that will give me different midfield options, we weren’t good enough in midfield today. That’s the job for us in the week to get right.”
It was the kind of stark response Everton supporters have become accustomed to since Lampard replaced Rafa Benitez last month.
But it was also the type of response that leaves one wondering what the thoughts of Gbamin were after hearing his boss admit his midfield had not been good enough - but yet he wasn’t named as an option to come in.
Of course Lampard’s comments came just hours after the ECHO reported that the Ivory Coast international is the subject of interest from CSKA Moscow.
The ECHO understands that the Russian side are looking to take the 26-year-old on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign.
While the English transfer window has been shut since the end of January, clubs in the Russian Premier League can still make moves until tomorrow (February 22).
And while Lampard’s comments could be taken that he is clearly planning for life without the midfielder, his last two matchday squads prior to the Southampton game, perhaps give a bigger indication of that.
After being named on the bench for Lampard’s first game in charge, the 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup, Gbamin, who is not injured, was missing from the squads for the matches against Newcastle United and Leeds United.
Given Lampard’s arrival, and the problems Everton have had in midfield this season, Gbamin could have been one of the players to really benefit from the former England international’s arrival at Goodison Park.
Just like Mason Holgate has. Granted the defender has not had the injury problems that Gbamin has, but he has been boosted by a change of manager.
Holgate often found himself on the fringes during Benitez’s reign, with the Spaniard preparing Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey.
But under Lampard, Holgate has become a real mainstay of the Blues’ backline, and was again impressive against the Saints on Saturday.
Of course, Gbamin has struggled with injuries throughout his time at Everton since completing a permanent move from Mainz in the summer of 2019.
He has made five appearances in all competitions throughout the course of the 2021/22 campaign, with three of those coming in the Premier League.
Gbamin was handed his first top-flight start in over two years when Everton made the trip to face Wolves at the beginning of November.
However, he was replaced by Fabian Delph at half-time after what was a sub-par performance, with the Blues going on to lose 2-1 at Molineux.
Since that Monday night in the Midlands, the midfielder has featured just twice for the Blues, against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, for a combined 20 minutes.
So, with it clear that he doesn't feature in Lampard’s immediate plans, and the fact he is in desperate need of game time, a loan move away would be a win-win situation for all parties.
It would also offer Gbamin the chance to show Lampard what he can offer, and if the new boss still isn't keen, at least the move would put Everton in a stronger position heading into the summer transfer window.
It is a transfer deal that simply makes sense for all parties concerned.
