Everton may be able to welcome back defender Ben Godfrey against Brentford on Sunday.
The lowdown
Everton host Thomas Frank’s side at 16.30 on Sunday in their penultimate home game of the season.
If Leeds United fail to beat Brighton in the 14.00 kick-off, then Everton know that a draw will effectively secure safety and a victory will guarantee it.
But if the Whites and Burnley, who play Tottenham Hotspur at 12.00, both win, then they could kick-off in the relegation zone.
Godfrey sustained an injury while warming up for last month’s Merseyside Derby against Liverpool and hasn’t featured since.
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The latest
Patrick Boyland, Everton correspondent for The Athletic, relayed an update on Godfrey’s fitness on Friday.
He’s said to be ‘close’ and ‘could be in the squad’ against the Bees.
Meanwhile, on-loan Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek ‘also has a chance’ of being involved after missing the last four games with thigh problems.
The verdict
This is an important, and unexpected boost, for Lampard and Everton.
The manager admitted after the initial injury that Godfrey may not be able to play again this season.
But he may be able to return with three games remaining to strengthen his side’s survival chances.
Godfrey has started every Premier League game for which he’s been available this season, the clearest indication of his importance.
Team-mate Andros Townsend believes that the £77,000-per-week Norwich City man is ‘the real deal’ and boasts ‘massive potential’, and that’s why he’s backed him to go ‘to the very top’.
At his best, he’s a high-level defensive option for Everton.
In other news, a wealthy club are set to make a bid for this EFC star.
