James Garner faces more than two months out of action as he attempts to overcome a back injury.
The midfielder missed the Premier League game at Bournemouth with what was initially described as a knock. It was confirmed he had suffered a back issue and he was absent from the squad that travelled to Australia for the Sydney Super Cup. It is hoped he will be available around the end of January or beginning of February.
Frank Lampard has received better news over Tom Davies and Yerry Mina. Both picked up injuries on the trip but neither are as bad as first feared.
READ MORE: Anthony Gordon dedicates hat-trick to Everton coach and sends honest Isaac Price advice
READ MORE: Scousers given drink warning as Everton embraced Brazil World Cup carnival and Pele's artistry
Specialists have assessed Garner and believe he could face a further 10 weeks out. He last played when he started the Carabao Cup tie at Bournemouth, coming off after 52 minutes. His loss is a significant blow for Everton and the 21-year-old.
Garner is yet to start a league game since moving from Manchester United on transfer deadline day. But he is highly thought of by Lampard and his coaching team and there had been growing clamour for him to have greater involvement in the first team. The games in Australia would likely have been opportunities for him to boost those calls ahead of the resumption of the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers visiting Goodison Park on Boxing Day.
In better news, scans on a knee injury picked up by Davies in training ahead of the game with Celtic have revealed it is not as serious as first feared. The club was initially concerned the midfielder would be out of action for a substantial period of time but he is now expected to be fit in around three weeks.
Mina was forced off at half-time against Celtic with a hamstring problem. The centre back had only just returned from another injury lay off after months out with an ankle issue sustained in the first game of the season, the 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea. Mina is expected to be out for between three and four weeks.
READ MORE:
- Everton player ratings as Anthony Gordon and Isaac Price star in win over Western Sydney Wanderers
- Everton just saw 'breakthrough' game for new signing as Frank Lampard options boosted
- Cristiano Ronaldo described Everton atmosphere to FA ahead of suspension and fine
- Everton not impacted by hummel issue as other clubs suffer major retail blow
- Olivier Giround knows all about 's word' that haunts Everton as World Cup exploits rekindle big question
