Everton have revealed an encouraging update for Frank Lampard’s selection options through their latest Instagram post regarding Ben Godfrey.
The 24-year-old centre-back was seen leaving Goodison Park on crutches after their 4-1 victory over Brentford in the FA Cup last month as a result of a quad injury.
Who should start when both are fit?
Ben Godfrey
Mason Holgate
However, the injury was not as serious as first feared, with Lampard claiming the Englishman was just 2-3 weeks away from returning before their game against Southampton.
And the Merseyside club have provided an update on Instagram which would suggest the centre-back is closing in on a possible return to Lampard’s side.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Toffees uploaded a photo of the £22.5m-rated defender on Instagram with the caption: “Making progress,” which was followed by an hourglass and muscle emoji.
And the defender’s expected return in the coming weeks may come as welcome news to some, with the Everton defence proving a real issue of concern having conceded five goals in the three league games without the 24-year-old.
Everton’s defence has been far from impressive this season, with 40 goals conceded already in the Premier League across their 23 games.
But Godfrey returning in the coming weeks could see Mason Holgate drop out of the squad, given Michael Keane is the mainstay in the Toffees’ defence.
However, with Holgate currently playing alongside Keane, could Godfrey’s return potentially see Lampard experiment with a back three?
The 43-year-old opted to play with a defensive three at times during his spell with Chelsea, and amid Everton’s current issues in defence, it could be an option for Lampard to try given they have just two clean sheets in the league since September.
In other news: Everton star Demarai Gray drops cryptic injury post on Instagram