Pickford out of Everton’s FA Cup quarter final

Jordan Pickford has been ruled out of Everton’s FA Cup quarter final.

The England international was withdrawn late during the first half of the Blues’ 2-1 home defeat to Burnley last weekend after aggravating a rib injury.

Pickford underwent a scan on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury, which has been confirmed as damage to his oblique abdominal muscle.

It means he will be unavailable for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they prepare to welcome Manchester City for Saturday’s last eight clash at Goodison Park.

The 27-year-old is also set to miss his country’s triple header of World Cup qualifiers this month against San Marino, Albania and Poland respectively.

“Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will miss England’s trio of World Cup qualifying fixtures this month after sustaining an injury to his oblique abdominal muscle,” confirmed a club statement.

“Pickford, 27, was forced off after 43 minutes during Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Burnley and underwent a scan on Monday.

“He is ruled out of England’s games against San Marino, Albania and Poland, as manager Gareth Southgate’s team begin their bid to reach the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

“Pickford, who has made 154 Everton appearances since joining from Sunderland in July 2017, will remain under the care of the club’s medical staff at USM Finch Farm during the forthcoming international break.”

Pickford’s understudy Robin Olsen is still hopeful of being fit for City’s visit but third-choice goalkeeper Joao Virginia could be forced to deputise again if not.