Phil Jagielka is set to miss the remainder of Everton’s season after aggravating a hamstring injury in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.
Jagielka played through the pain barrier in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, with Blues manager Roberto Martinez admitting prior to the game that the defender was not ‘medically’ fit for the Wembley encounter.
And the England international, who excelled at the heart of defence in an otherwise disappointing afternoon, will now miss Everton’s last four games and is a major doubt for this summer’s European Championships in France.
Jagielka’s injury adds to an already extensive list of potential absentees for next weekend’s visit of Bournemouth to Goodison Park, including suspended centre-back Ramiro Funes Mori and an injured Seamus Coleman.
It is expected that the Sale-born stopper’s absence could well open a door for recalled youngster Matty Pennington or forgotten man Brendan Galloway.