Sean Dyche has revealed the extent of Andre Gomes’ latest injury.
Gomes last featured for Everton in the FA Cup third-round replay win over Crystal Palace before being sidelined by an issue suffered in the winter break.
With Idrissa Gueye at AFCON and Abdoulaye Doucoure facing a six-week lay-off with a hamstring injury, the Portuguese was utilised as midfield cover.
But Dyche confirmed ahead of the Blues’ trip to Fulham that Gomes is facing an indeterminate period out with a calf issue sustained during training.
He said: “It is a calf. He isn’t going to be fit this week. It is going to be a matter of time.
“We don’t know how long yet, but it’s definitely a calf injury, he’s had a couple of them over the last few months.
“It has been very difficult and it’s a loss to us because I think you’ve seen he was showing he wants to adapt to what we’re doing and play for us.
“He scored a great free-kick and looked sharp as he was getting fitter, and now he’s injured again so it’s really frustrating for him and for us.”