Pickford leaves England camp after injury scare

Everton’s season is threatening to get derailed even before it’s picked up any momentum.

Early injuries have already left Ronald Koeman’s small squad bereft of options, and now it appears goalkeeper Jordan Pickford sustained an issue as well during Sunday’s loss at Chelsea.

After getting called up to the England national squad, Pickford had a chance of getting his first senior cap this week, but returned to Finch Farm with the Football Association releasing this statement -

”Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has left the England camp and returned to Everton. Having reported to St George’s Park on Sunday evening, the 23-year-old underwent an assessment on a muscle injury sustained playing for his club.

“After discussions between England and Everton medics, it was decided it was in the player’s best interests to return to Finch Farm for further treatment.

“Gareth Southgate will now prepare for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia with the remaining three goalkeepers in his 27-man squad.”

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Per the Liverpool Echo, the ailment is a thigh injury. Watching the game on Sunday, it was hard to say his mobility was restricted in any way as the hosts kept him busy piling on shot after shot at him.

Either way, Everton fans will be biting their fingernails that this is not a serious injury and his return to Finch Farm is precautionary. And all this even before the international break has kicked off, a time that the Toffees have had some cruel luck with players reporting for national duty.