Everton have been dealt a last-minute blow on the personnel front, ahead of the club’s upcoming showdown with Liverpool.

As is customary, an hour prior to kick-off, the latest XI opted for by Toffees boss Frank Lampard was unveiled, featuring the following crop of players:

Upon the visitors’ ensuing warm-ups getting underway at Anfield, however, it quickly became evident that one member of the club’s starting backline was nowhere to be seen.

The player in question? Ben Godfrey.

Questions, in turn, began to spread regarding the whereabouts of the former Norwich star.

And now, an explanation for as much has been forthcoming online. As per a host of reliable sources, Godfrey picked up an injury during the early stages of Everton’s warm-up for the derby.

Michael Keane, in turn, has been given the call to step in on the part of Frank Lampard:

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, on the other hand, faces no such problems, having opted for a strong XI amid his side’s ongoing pursuit of the Premier League title:

 

Liverpool vs Everton live streaming: Watch Premier League online

West Ham target Everton defender for summer swoop if they are relegated