Everton captain Seamus Coleman has suffered a hamstring injury.
Coleman sustained the problem while representing the Republic of Ireland during their World Cup qualifying draw against Azerbaijan last weekend.
The 32-year-old was released by Stephen Kenny’s side on Sunday evening in order to report back to Merseyside for further assessment on the injury.
“Seamus Coleman has sustained a hamstring injury on international duty with Republic of Ireland and returned to Everton for treatment,” read an Everton statement.
“Everton captain Coleman was hurt in Ireland’s World Cup qualifying draw with Azerbaijan in Dublin on Saturday.
“The 32-year-old has been assessed by Everton medical staff and will continue his rehabilitation at the club’s USM Finch Farm training headquarters.”
Should Coleman fail to recover before next Monday’s visit of Burnley, Rafael Benitez will be forced to deploy a stopgap option in the vacant right-back role.
One of Jonjoe Kenny, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate is expected to be chosen due to all having prior experience of operating in the position.