Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not expected to be available for Everton's midweek trip to Arsenal.
The striker has not featured since he played the first hour in Sean Dyche's first game as boss against the same opposition earlier this month. He was initially dealing with an injury to his hamstring but, in the weeks since, Dyche has suggested work is ongoing around wider fitness issues as well.
Calvert-Lewin watched Everton's defeat to Aston Villa from the directors' box along with James Garner and Nathan Patterson, who are also working towards a return from injury.
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Everton's forward struggles continued on Saturday as the Blues created a host of opportunities but were unable to find a breakthrough while they were on top.
Amadou Onana and Neal Maupay both forced Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez into action but, once an Ollie Watkins penalty gave the visitors the lead just after the hour mark, the hosts were powerless to find a way back into the game.
Maupay had started the game up top by himself and was replaced by academy striker Ellis Simms in the second half, but this was another match in which the absence of Calvert-Lewin was painfully clear. Everton have scored just seven goals in the 10 games since the World Cup.
Speaking after the match, Dyche said he did not expect Calvert-Lewin to be available for Everton's next game - the trip to Arsenal on Wednesday. Asked about the chances of him playing, the manager simply said: "I doubt it."
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