Everton midfielder James McCarthy faces another extended injury spell.
Ronald Koeman recently criticised the Republic of Ireland for leaving the 25-year-old ‘massively over-loaded’ after starting successive World Cup qualifiers.
And the Blues manager’s concerns about McCarthy appear to have been vindicated with news that he has now suffered a fresh hamstring injury.
The problem sustained in training ruled the playmaker out of last weekend’s defeat to Burnley and is expected to see him spend further weeks on the sidelines.
McCarthy appeared as a late substitute during Everton’s draw with Manchester City but had failed to feature since August 23 before that.
Following that EFL Cup game against Yeovil, he was ruled out by a groin injury which required corrective surgery.