Nathan Patterson is expected to miss the rest of Everton’s season.
Patterson arrived at Goodison Park during the January transfer window from SPFL champions Rangers but has made just one appearance for his new club.
The Scotland international started in the FA Cup win over Boreham Wood and was due to make his Premier League bow against West Ham last weekend.
But Frank Lampard has admitted Patterson’s start with the Blues has been derailed by an ankle injury which kept him out for the London Stadium defeat.
Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Burnley, the Everton manager revealed that the 20-year-old is set to undergo surgery on the issue in London.
“Nathan Patterson will be out for a certain period of time,” confirmed Lampard.
“He’s been down to see a specialist on his ankle and we’re looking at having a small operation later this week.
“He was due to make his debut, he knew that. He’d waited his time, performed well for Scotland, and that’s the big disappointment.
“So he is frustrated, but at the same time it’s easier when you’re slightly older to tell him that he’s young, he’s got so much time.
“The timing probably means he has the summer to probably get over it and be fighting fit for the start of next season.
“He’ll get all the support in the short term and he’ll be back.”
Asked whether the right-back’s season had been drawn to a premature end, Lampard added: “Possibly. The diagnosis we have is that it’s looking like an eight to ten week injury.”