Everton defender Nathan Patterson will miss the rest of his club’s season and face a fight to be fit for Scotland in this summer’s European Championships after sustaining a hamstring injury which requires surgery.
The 22-year-old right-back was forced off with the set-back after falling awkwardly during Monday night’s 6-0 thrashing by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking ahead of Everton’s game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, manager Sean Dyche said: “It was a very unfortunate injury and we’re very disappointed for him.
“It’s a shame. He came on and looked sharp the other night and I think he’s a good player. He’s very unfortunate with a really awkward fall the other night.”
Asked whether the injury will jeopardise Patterson’s chances of being involved in Scotlands’s Euros campaign he added: “I don’t know on the medical side of the times but I just know on this season and playing for us.
“He will have surgery and then it’s just how quickly it settles.”
Former Rangers defender Patterson has 15 senior caps and one goal for his country.
Scotland’s Euros group stage campaign kicks off on June 14 against Germany.
(Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
