Nathan Patterson major Scotland worry as Everton boss fears ‘serious’ injury

Scotland are sweating over the fitness of Nathan Patterson after the Everton defender hobbled off injured last night.

Boss Steve Clarke was dealt a double blow yesterday after it was revealed that Lewis Ferguson would miss Euro 2024 after the Bologna star suffered a nightmare ACL injury, ruling him out for months. Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey could also miss the tournament in Germany having been out of action since October with a long-term hamstring problem. While Ryan Jack is also a major doubt as Rangers seek to find a solution to the luckless midfielder’s never-ending injury issues.

However, Patterson’s knock will be a massive concern for Clarke after the ex-Ibrox youngster was forced off in last night’s 6-0 thumping against Chelsea. The 22-year-old looked in serious pain and immediately signalled for the bench after pulling up as he attempted to track back with Ben Chillwell. Gutted Patterson left the pitch with his shirt hiding his face and Toffees boss Sean Dyche admitted the early signs don’t look good.

He said: “It was a perfect storm tonight. Every mistake seemed to get punished, every goal seemed to go in. I think they had 14 efforts on goal, we know how many we have had, they scored six – and we got three injuries.

“That isn’t a good mix, it happens now and again in your career and lifetime in football. But that is as bad as a mix I have experienced, with the injuries.

“Jarrad, we hope, is minor, but we have to wait and see. Shay (Coleman) has pulled his groin, we don’t know yet and Patto’s looks a bit more serious. A hamstring injury, we are going to have to wait and see – let it settle tomorrow.”

Patterson’s injury means Scotland could potentially face a right-back crisis ahead of the Euros, with Hickey not expected to feature again for Brentford this season. The ex-Hearts star has returned to light training but boss Thomas Frank says the 21-year-old still faces a long road to recovery.

Speaking last week, the Bees gaffer said: “Hickey, I think I saw him run out on the grass today. I don’t expect him to be available before the end of the season so it’s a big positive if he is.”

Meanwhile former Aberdeen midfielder Ferguson admits he has been left devastated by the injury news that has ruled him out of Euro 2024. The 24-year-old is set to undergo surgery after damaging his cruciate ligament which also puts his hopes for a big transfer on hold after links to Juventus among others.