We’re delighted to welcome injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the injury situation at Everton...
Everton defender Ruben Vinagre will not be able to return this season as he’s out with a long-term Achilles concern, claims Dr. Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that he may even require surgery as his condition with normal physiotherapy does not seem to be improving.
If he’s out with a mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, it will require a three-step procedure and the timeline can vary after that.
Speaking exclusively with Goodison News, Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Scientist, said, “This sounds like an Achilles tendinopathy based on the long-term nature and it’s less of a realization that he may need surgery rather than a natural course of the plan of care where if a player isn’t improving with physio then surgery can be an option.
“The timeline here is quite difficult to discern because it depends on the specific Achilles problem that is going on and then the type of procedure decided on.
“Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy alone could involve a debridement, a tenotomy, augmentation with a different tendon, etc all of which come with differing timelines [all beyond May].
“Regardless of the procedure, the physio afterward will entail improving mobility, strength, neuromuscular control, and returning to gait mechanics.
“A key consideration with tendons is building up their elasticity as tendons – especially the Achilles – absorb and release energy like a rubber band.“
Along with Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli, and Andros Townsend, Vinagre is now set to be ruled out for the season, adding to Sean Dyche’s injury woes.
Vinagre hasn’t quite adapted to life at Goodison Park since moving on loan from Sporting CP and it remains to be seen what the future holds for him.
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Niels Nkounkou has indicated that he might have to make a difficult decision regarding his future at Everton after leaving the Premier League outfit on loan yet again.
It is nearly three years now since the talented left-back arrived at Goodison Park from Marseille. In that time, he has made only two league appearances for the Toffees, farmed out on loan to Cardiff City, Standard Liege, and now St Etienne.
Now at the age of 22, and with just over 12 months remaining on his Everton contract, this summer could be a very important one in Nkounkou’s development; the Frenchman finding himself at a fork in the road.
“Clearly (I need stability). I would like to fix myself to a project, not to find myself in uncertainty every summer, without knowing where I will do the season,” the France U21 international tells the Ligue 2 website.
“I would like to find stability somewhere. In recent years, I’ve moved a lot and now I want to settle down. Changing clubs play on your head.
“When you know that at the end of the season, you will surely no longer be there, it makes you think. It’s not always easy to live with, whether for me or for my loved ones, who follow me every time.”
Everton youngster Niels Nkounkou facing uncertain future
Does this suggest that Nkounkou will look to leave Everton on a permanent basis if Sean Dyche cannot guarantee him a first-team role next term?
The prospect of Nkounkou leaving on loan yet again certainly doesn’t benefit anyone. Especially given that this summer will be Everton’s final chance to bring in a substantial sum on the back of his impressive displays across the Channel.
Nkounkou has six goals and eight assists in just 16 league games since joining St Etienne in January.
And, according to FootSur7, a number of as-yet-unnamed ‘big clubs’ are watching his situation closely.
“It’s true that I’ve already represented a lot of clubs,” Nkounkou adds.
“But I had no doubt that I was going to adapt quickly here. Unlike my last experiences, at Everton, Standard Liege or Cardiff, I came back to France (and) when you are in your country, when everyone speaks the same language as you, everything is easier.”
