Everton midfielder Ross Barkley is facing up to three months on the sidelines.
Barkley suffered a fresh injury setback with a hamstring problem sustained in training on Monday that curtailed his planned road to recovery.
The England international had already missed the Blues’ pre-season campaign due to a groin injury which left him out of action for the past four weeks.
But Barkley now looks set to miss further playing time after scans revealed a grade-three tear of his hamstring muscle which is likely to require surgery.
Further tests will be undertaken to determine the full extent of the 23-year-old’s injury but is expected to require a procedure under the knife.
It means Barkley may not be available until the end of November, potentially jeopardising his plans to seal a summer exit from Goodison Park.
Everton remain at an impasse over the Wavertree-born player’s future as he turned down a new contract beyond the final 12 months of his current deal.
Tottenham and Chelsea have both been credited with interest in Barkley but are yet to make a formal approach or offer to the Goodison hierarchy.
Ronald Koeman had warned Barkley that he risked being sold without a solid commitment beyond his existing deal but is now open to the player staying.