"Shock" injury crisis for Blues

By Chris Kirwan
September 11 2002

The pre-match build up to tonight’s game with Southampton has been dominated by the none-too-surprising news that the Blues are suffering an injury crisis.

The most high profile of the injuries is that of Duncan Ferguson. Duncan has been plagued by injuries all of his career, a plight highlighted by the stats of 271 games in 14 years, but his back problem picked up at the tail-end of last season is rumoured to be career threatening. This has led to some Blues considering that perhaps an insurance payout would be better than a player whose performances are all too infrequent.

However, the end of last season showed how important Duncan is for this Everton side. Apart from the blemish versus Bolton, he deserved the over-used phrase “talisman”. I for one hope that he comes through a potential make-or-break game versus Birmingham and gets the all clear. He may not have lived up to his first spell at the club, but he still remains the one player you look to inspire the team when the Blues are struggling.

Another great worry is Joseph Yobo. When we signed Yobo in the summer I, like plenty of other Blues, felt that we had stolen a march on the rest of Europe in signing one of the great prospects from the World Cup. But once again Yobo has been stuck down when approaching full fitness, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time; our defence is looking creaky and options are severely limited.

The news has also come that Chris Woods may be forced into being our reserve ‘keeper against Southampton (for whom he memorably conceded seven goals at Goodison). This is because, despite being rated as doubtful for the Man City game a week and a half ago, Richard Wright is definitely out of the game and Simonsen is doubtful.

I’m sure I’m not the only Blue who is less worried by the prospect of Woods on the bench than that of Gerrard as first choice.