Lucas Digne is facing a two-month spell out of action with an ankle injury.
Everton confirmed that Digne suffered ligament damage in a training session earlier this week ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Leeds United.
The France international will undergo surgery on the injury at the beginning of next week which is expected to sideline him until early next year.
Digne missed the Blues’ defeat at Newcastle earlier this month after serving a one-match ban for his red card picked up in a 2-0 loss against Southampton.
Niels Nkounkou covered for his compatriot at St James’ Park and played in the Carabao Cup ties against Salford City, Fleetwood Town and West Ham United.
The 20-year-old, signed from Marseille last summer, is expected to step into the void as Carlo Ancelotti’s side embark on a daunting Christmas schedule.
Next month Everton face clashes with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City alongside a Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown against Manchester United.