Journalist Paul Brown reckons that Everton have missed Ben Godfrey, who he describes as a "warrior and a "fighter".

The £25m defender hasn't played in any of Frank Lampard's three Premier League games following an injury sustained in the FA Cup tie with Brentford earlier this month.

What happened to Godfrey?

The former Norwich City centre-back was enjoying a long run in the side, starting 17 top-flight fixtures on the bounce.

Therefore, he was named in Lampard's first team selection for the fourth round tie against the Bees.

However, just 14 minutes into Everton's 4-1 victory, Godfrey was withdrawn after suffering a hamstring tear early on. And having undergone a scan, the Toffees revealed that the 24-year-old was set to be ruled out until March.

In his absence, Lampard's side have struggled, conceding five goals in three games, which has left them just two points above the relegation-zone.

But Godfrey is closing in on his return to action and is now doing some light work with the club's medical team having reacted well to treatment.

What did Brown say about Godfrey?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "He did namedrop Godfrey in particular as someone they've really missed. They really missed him at Southampton. He's a proper warrior, who gets in there and is a fighter."

Elanga SAVES Man United! Full reaction on The Football Terrace...

When could Godfrey make his comeback?

The weekend clash with Manchester City is likely to come too soon for Godfrey, but providing his rehabilitation is going as planned, he shouldn't be far off returning to action.

After that, Everton host Non-League outfit Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday, which could prove the ideal game for Godfrey to get his first minutes for almost a month.

Should he still not be considered fit enough to play against the National League side, the away trip to 7 March of home clash with Wolves the following Sunday might be two fixtures that he's targeting.

Once he does return, it'll be a huge boost for Lampard, who's got just two fit senior centre-backs at his disposal, with Yerry Mina also currently sidelined through injury and is facing more than two months out.