Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton reign has been dealt an early blow by injury to Alex Iwobi.
Iwobi pulled up with a hamstring problem in the first half of last weekend’s goalless draw with Arsenal and is now facing a three-week spell on the sidelines.
Ancelotti will take charge of his first game as Blues manager in the Boxing Day visit of Burnley but will do so without the Nigeria international’s services.
Theo Walcott is also set to miss the clash with Sean Dyche’s side but Everton are hopeful that he will return for the trip to Newcastle on December 28.
“Alex Iwobi is not going to play in the next games,” confirmed Ancelotti.
“He is going to rest for two or three weeks, then start [training] with the team.
“Theo Walcott trained for part of the session with the team today.
“I am not sure if he will be ready for [Burnley] but he will be available for the game on Saturday [against Newcastle].
“Morgan Schneiderlin is out for these games, I hope he can be back training with us on the 28th.
“All the other players… are in good condition, fit and able to play.”