Nathan Patterson set for surgery after injury blow
The Scotland defender will go under the knife after picking up an ankle injury
Nathan Patterson is set for a spell on the sidelines with Everton boss Frank Lampard confirming that he needs surgery.
The 20-year old has struggled to make an impact at Goodison Park since joining from Rangers in January.
His spell in Merseyside has now taken another blow after picking up an ankle injury.
Patterson started both of Scotland's matches against Poland and Austria during the international break.
However the full-back is now set for a spell out, but his club manager didn't confirm how long that is likely to be.
Lampard said: "In term of injuries, Nathan Patterson will be out for a certain period of time.
"He's been down to see a specialist about his ankle and we're looking at having a small operation this week.
"So he'll be out."
The news could leave Scotland boss Steve Clarke sweating with June's World Cup playoffs fast approaching.
It comes after the news Kieran Tierney has suffered an injury blow of his own and is a major doubt to feature for the national team in the summer.