Yerry Mina’s injury nightmare has taken another twist in Sydney with the Everton centre-back forced off at half-time in the win over Celtic.
The 28-year-old, who started alongside James Tarkowski and Michael Keane at the ACCOR Stadium, picked up a hamstring issue in the Sydney Super Cup clash and is now set to undergo a scan on the problem.
Everton went on to win the match on penalties but the victory came at a cost. Abdoulaye Doucoure also picked up a knee injury in the game - further depleting a central midfield that lost Tom Davies to injury after he suffered a knee problem in training.
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The Sydney Super Cup, which the Blues have won by beating Celtic, appeared to be a useful opportunity for the likes of Mina, Mason Holgate and Nathan Patterson to continue their work for match fitness following recent injuries.
The Celtic game, and the clash with Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday, were of particular importance for the centre-backs. Conor Coady will be ineligible to play his parent club when Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Goodison Park on Boxing Day - the first game after the World Cup break. A spot in the starting line-up is therefore up for grabs.
Mina, recently returned from an ankle problem suffered in the first game of the season, is now facing a battle for fitness again. After the Celtic game, Frank Lampard confirmed he would need a scan on a hamstring injury.
The news on Doucoure is more positive, with Lampard believing there is a chance he could play later this week. Doucoure is the only senior central midfielder available after Davies suffered a knee injury that requires him to fly back early for tests.
Academy starlet Isaac Price, who played well against Celtic, is the only other central-midfielder in the squad. James Garner has a back issue and Alex Iwobi, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye are on international duty.
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