'Very honest': Frank Lampard says one Everton player simply 'wasn't confident' to play against West Ham yesterday
Everton boss Frank Lampard has confirmed that Manchester United loanee Donny van de Beek suffered a thigh injury in the warm up against West Ham United.
The Dutchman was named in the starting line-up to face the Hammers at the London Stadium, but after grimacing and pulling up in the warm-up, his place was taken by Everton goalscorer Mason Holgate.
The Toffees lost 2-1 to David Moyes’ side ahead of Wednesday night’s crucial clash against fellow strugglers Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s Clarets could close the gap down to one point if they beat the Goodison Park side at Turf Moor.
Depending on the extent of van de Beek’s injury, the January loan signing may face an uphill task in proving his fitness with such a quick turnaround in matches.
But speaking after yesterday’s defeat in the capital, Lampard is ‘hopeful’ that the Dutchman’s setback is ‘minor’.
Lampard said: “It’s a small feeling in the side of his thigh, so he was confident to play.
“We’re going to scan it to see what the level of injury is. Hopefully it’s minor.
“It would have meant trying to get him to play, maybe making an early sub, and Donny was very honest about it.”
Donny van de Beek cannot catch a break
After missing the last-gasp Premier League win against Newcastle, prior to the international break, due to illness and missing the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Crystal Palace, the 24-year-old would have been hoping to make his return to action.
But after being overlooked by Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal once again for March’s international friendlies, van de Beek continues to suffer setbacks in his quest to prove a success in England.
If the former Ajax man doesn’t prove his fitness for the clash against Burnley, he will be guaranteed to have missed Everton’s last three Premier League matches by the time Manchester United have come to Merseyside on Saturday.
Everton’s number 30 won’t be able to play against his parent club due to being ineligible.
