Jean-Philippe Gbamin is set to spend a further three months on the sidelines.
Gbamin had originally been due to miss eight weeks for Everton after picking up a right quadricep tendon injury in the run-up to August’s defeat by Aston Villa.
But the Ivory Coast international’s recovery has been dealt another setback since making his first two appearances for Marco Silva’s side at the start of the season.
The midfielder, a summer arrival from Mainz, returned to light training at the beginning of October but suffered a relapse during his rehabilitation period.
Goodison Park officials have confirmed that Gbamin, 24, underwent surgery on the thigh problem on Tuesday and is now facing another prolonged lay-off.
“Everton Football Club can confirm that Jean-Philippe Gbamin has undergone surgery on a tendon injury in his right quadriceps muscle, which will keep the midfielder out of action for around three months,” read a club statement.
“The 24-year-old had returned to light training at the start of this month but suffered a setback in his rehabilitation.
“As a result, the summer signing from Mainz underwent surgery in France on Tuesday.
“Gbamin will now continue his rehabilitation with Club medical staff at USM Finch Farm.”