Everton defender Seamus Coleman is facing up to three weeks on the sidelines with a Grade 2 injury, according to injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar.
The 36-year-old, who has only made one league appearance this season, is expected to need at least a month before he’s ready to start a match.
Coleman’s solitary Premier League outing came in Everton’s 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on 31 August. Since then, he has been absent from club action and recently withdrew from the Republic of Ireland squad due to fitness concerns.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Science, outlined Coleman’s likely recovery timeline:
“Dyche commented that it was minor so this seems like it would be Grade 2 out of 4 which can be two or three weeks.
“If that’s the case, his rehab will be working on his strength and mobility to eventually progress to higher intensity.
“He’ll obviously be needed to be eased back so it’s unlikely to see him starting for another month, at least.”
Everton unlikely to extend Coleman’s contract
Given Coleman’s age and injury issues, his long-term future at Goodison Park appears uncertain.
The veteran full-back is out of contract at the end of the season, and Everton may decide not to offer an extension, particularly from a financial perspective.
At 36, Coleman could face a decision on his international career. Many players at a similar stage opt to step back from international duty to focus on prolonging their club careers. Whether he follows suit remains to be seen.