Everton's Joel Catesby was stretchered off at Valley Parade _(Image: @EvertonAcademy)_
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EVERTON have posted a positive update on the teenager who suffered a horrible injury against City at Valley Parade in the Vertu Trophy.
Eighteen-year-old winger Joel Catesby was stretchered off after a challenge with Brad Halliday which saw last Tuesday’s game halted for over 10 minutes.
Catesby suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle but Everton under-21 coach Paul Tait revealed the injury was not as bad as the club initially thought – and predicted he could be back before the end of the season.
"The setback is not as severe as what was first feared,” Tait told the Everton website. “He’s broken his fibula, but not his tibia, so it’s more positive than we first expected.
“He also had an ankle dislocation, but the medical staff on the night put it straight back in, so it’s limited the ligament damage.
"So, he’s got a dislocation and a fractured fibula to recover from, but it’s better than we first thought.”
Catesby was taken to Aintree Hospital where he underwent surgery on Friday but is now back home.
Tait added: "Our medical team did a brilliant job from their response to post-operation, so I’d like to thank them for their efforts – both on the night and in the days since.
"I’ve spoken to him most days and all the lads from the team and the staff have been texting and ringing him.”
Halliday went into the Everton dressing room straight after the game to offer his sympathy and planned to contact Catesby.
Writing on X, City said this morning: “Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Joel.”
Tait is confident Catesby will be out for a lot less than he had expected.
"I think it’s four to six months, which is another positive because when I saw the injury, I was thinking more like a year.”