Everton boss Frank Lampard has issued a mixed update on the fitness of a pair of key defenders ahead of a massive clash with Watford, which should they win could see them move four points clear of the relegation zone.
Their opponents have little to play for, with their own relegation having been confirmed over the weekend courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, while the Hornets seem to be winding down after Roy Hodgson confirmed he will be leaving this summer.
For Everton, currently having won two games on the bounce, it is an opportunity to take a massive step towards guaranteeing their place in the Premier League for next season, something that at one point appeared to be unlikely.
Mykolenko in, but trio out
And, speaking ahead of the clash with the London club at Vicarage Road, Frank Lampard has revealed that he will be without three squad members, the most serious of those being Colombian Yerry Mina, who was forced off against Leicester City.
They have been boosted by the return of Vitaly Mykolenko, who was also forced off at the weekend, but only with cramp, but neither Donny Van De Beek nor Ben Godfrey will be fit enough for the clash.
'Donny (van de Beek) is not ready. We're hoping that he'll be ready for next week's games. Potentially the weekend. And with Ben (Godfrey) similar. He's working with every ounce of sweat and bone in his body to be fit and take part in the run-in', Lampard told the press.
However, with Watford relegated already and Everton desperate for points, it is hard to see past a win for even a depleted Toffees squad.
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