Everton winger Dwight McNeil has received yet another setback after the winger limped off the field in his side’s penultimate pre-season fixture.
McNeil was getting crucial game time in the tank in Everton’s friendly against Stoke City when he was brought down in the opposition half midway through the second half. He was unable to continue and looked in discomfort while hobbling off the pitch.
The winger was set to shoot at goal and was brought down by the opposition defender in what looked like a potential penalty, but it was not given. McNeil though, did not get off the ground until the physios arrived and then went straight down the tunnel.
No clarity has been provided with regards to McNeil by Everton and it remains unclear as to what the nature or extent of the injury is.
Many at Everton have been left worried about the 23-year-old’s injury just before the start of the season as he was starting to gain some of his form back under Sean Dyche towards the end of last season.
Some reports have suggested that the Englishman’s injury is actually worse than first feared as he is rumoured to be out for at least the opening stages of the upcoming season.
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As previously mentioned, no official announcements have been made by Everton FC as further details are awaited.
This injury may be a huge blow for the Toffees as they have struggled to provide any real goal-scoring threat in their last two Premier League campaigns. They have only added Arnaut Danjuma and were hoping to rely on McNeil along with him to improve their record in front of goal this time around.
McNeil suffered with injuries last season as well and only played 24 matches in the league but 18 of those came under Dyche in which he contributed with 5 goals and 2 assists. This made him the Toffees’ best performer in front of goal last season, highlighting the extent of their attacking woes.
McNeil joined the Manchester United youth academy at just age 5 and stayed there till he was 14 before moving to Burnley’s youth academy. He made his professional debut for the club in 2018 and went on to play over 140 games for the Clarets.
The Englishman joined Everton at the start of last season in a £20 million move and initially struggled to adapt at Goodison Park but increasingly grew into the player he previously was, especially under his old boss Dyche.
