Everton youngster avoids serious injury

David Unsworth was incensed after a horrific challenge from Arsenal full-back Tolaji Bola on Monday night left Everton Under-23 defender Gethin Jones needing oxygen after likely going into shock.

Not only did the referee not call a foul for the lunge that looked like it had broken the youngster’s leg, Arsenal’s players and management didn’t even apologise and that is what had Unsworth fuming as he confronted the Gunners bench.

Luckily though, Jones is going to be fine and there has been no fracture. The writhing 21-year-old was immediately taken to hospital after being stretchered off, but has today confirmed that there would be no surgery required.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo after the game that Everton won 4-2, Unsworth said -

“I thought the tackle was naughty, I thought it was wrong.

“When you see one of your players taking oxygen in a potential broken leg it hurts.

“The referee didn’t even give the foul and their player didn’t even come over to apologise so I thought that was wrong. It’s never an easy moment when you see one of your players carried off with a suspected broken leg.”

Jones had been called up as a standby to the Welsh senior squad during the last international break, with the right back having made seven appearances for the Under-23 side this season. He played the second half of last season out on loan at Barnsley.

The youngster made his senior debut and only appearance as a late substitute in December 2014 in the Europa League against FK Krasnodar.

Here’s wishing Jones a speedy recovery and a quick return to football.