After Nathan Patterson was substituted for Everton against Chelsea, Scotland was dealt a serious injury scare ahead of the 2024 European Championship.
The 22-year-old right-back had to be substituted during stoppage time in the crushing 6-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Under Steve Clarke, Patterson has frequently played for Scotland. He entered the game as a replacement at halftime but would need to be removed before the end of regulation.
With Sean Dyche alerting him to a “serious” hamstring condition, the defender attempted to track back with Ben Chilwell but eventually pulled up.
Ahead of this summer’s Euros, the player and the Scotland national team are extremely concerned about the severe blow to their injuries.
Following the game, Dyche issued a “wait and see” statement regarding the situation, with no timeframe for a diagnosis or rehabilitation period.
Patterson was just one of three injuries suffered by Everton in the nightmare loss with Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman also forced off.
After the game, Dyche said to the club’s reporters, “It was a perfect storm tonight.” Every error appeared to be punished, and every goal appeared to be scored. They must have had fourteen shots on goal—we know how many we had—and they scored six of them. In addition, we suffered three injuries.
“It’s not a nice combination; it happens occasionally over a football player’s career and lifetime. However, that is the worst combination of ailments I have ever encountered.
“Hopefully, Jarrad is minor, but we’ll have to wait and find out. We’re not sure if Shay (Coleman) has injured his groin, but Patto’s injury appears to be a little more serious. We’ll have to wait and see if it’s a hamstring problem and see how it goes tomorrow.
