Ben Godfrey makes Everton injury admission and James Rodriguez claim

Ben Godfrey is currently sidelined for Everton with a hamstring injury but is making progress ahead of games against Boreham Wood, Tottenham Hotspur, Wolves and Newcastle United.
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Ben Godfrey admits he's gutted to have picked up an injury so early into Frank Lampard's Everton reign.

The defender is currently sidelined with a hamstring problem.

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He suffered his setback in the 4-1 FA Cup defeat ofBrentford last month - which was Lampard's first game as manager.

As a result, Godfrey has missed the past four matches and the Toffees have felt his absence.

Speaking to Youtube channel Baller Talk, the England international can’t wait to get back to full fitness to learn from Lampard and first-team coach Ashley Cole.

Godfrey said: “Honesty, it's mad (that Lampard has been appointed) and we've got Ashley Cole as well.

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“You know when you can just sit and pick someone's brains all day.

“Everything they say about the game makes sense. They've been there and done everything

“The knowledge, what they know and things they can teach you is a different level.

“They're good guys as well. I'm gutted to be injured so early on with the new gaffer but I can’t wait to be back playing and training under him.

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“The boys are saying every day that they're learning something new.”

Injury update

Godfrey was speaking to the Wood’s Femi Ilesanmi - having played together at York City - last week.

Everton defender Ben Godfrey. Picutre: Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesEverton defender Ben Godfrey. Picutre: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Everton defender Ben Godfrey. Picutre: Naomi Baker/Getty Images

He admits he's hoping to be involved against the non-league outfit but concedes the game might come too soon.

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“Obviously, I got injured against Brentford so I've just been trying to rehab that,” added Godfrey.

“I'm two weeks in. Probably back in a couple of weeks - trying to get back for your game!

“It might be too soon. I’m trying to aim for it. It might be a bit unrealistic but I want to be involved.

“I was buzzing for you lot as well when you won against Bournemouth (in the fourth round). Every one of your boys put a shift in.

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“The FA Cup levels things out. Everything is just level. If you do what you did against Bournemouth, it's going to be tough.”

‘He puts spells on you’

James Rodriguez and Ben Godfrey celebrate for Everton last season. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesJames Rodriguez and Ben Godfrey celebrate for Everton last season. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
James Rodriguez and Ben Godfrey celebrate for Everton last season. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

In a wide-ranging interview, Godfrey was asked who's the best player he's ever lined up alongside during his career.

James Rodriguez only spent one season at Everton in 2020-21 before he was sold to Qatar Stars League club Al-Rayyan in September.

Still, the Colombian - who recently admitted he’d be open to returning to Goodison - was Godfrey’s selection.

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The ex-Norwich defender said: “James Rodriguez. He's like left foot only as well.

“It's like he puts spells on you. If he chops you, even though you know that's it's coming, you're going anyway. He is good.”