This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Everton’s Bernard sustained a knee injury in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
What did he say?
Everton confirmed after the game that the Brazilian picked up a grade 2 medial ligament injury. The report also states that the medical staff are waiting for knee consultants to determine the fastest possible route in his return.
Bernard did score his second goal of this Premier League season against West Ham United a week prior to his injury. As a result, Noel Whelan believes he will be a massive miss for Everton.
The pundit told Football Insider: “He has been coming into form, we questioned about two weeks ago about him needing to chip in with more assists and goals and he’s been doing that.
“Y’know now it’s a huge blow as he is one player who can change a game, provide a little bit of brilliance, a bit of magic and when you’re just finding your feet, you’re getting that form and confidence back, to get an injury now when they need those sort of players to win games…it’s a massive blow for Everton.”
More concern for goals now
The pressure will continue to mount on the shoulders of Marco Silva until the club begin to move up the league. In truth, injuries as such are just pure bad luck and nothing can be done about it.
However, it does now mean they’ve lost a creative spark from their team and one capable of finding the back of the net.
Indeed, Everton have so far only bagged 10 times in the Premier League, and two of these have come from Bernard.
Just when it looked like he was about to find his form for the Blues, he gets injured. His performance against West Ham was one of his more notable in Everton colours and fans would have been hoping for more to get them far away from the drop zone.
It does seem like the Toffees have lost one of their match winners now.
