Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hopes of returning for the Merseyside derby have been dashed.
Calvert-Lewin last featured for Everton in their win over Brighton and Hove Albion at the end of August before he was sidelined by a quadricep injury.
The England international had initially targeted the December 1 showdown with Liverpool for his long-awaited comeback appearance for the Blues.
But Rafael Benitez has confirmed that Calvert-Lewin now faces an extended road to recovery after suffering a relapse in his rehabilitation programme.
He said: “I try to not put dates out because you never know, but I said at least two or three weeks.
“What does that mean? It depends on how he progresses. It could be sooner or later.
“What I can say for sure is that he will be out for two or three weeks minimum.”
Besides Calvert-Lewin, the Everton manager heads into Sunday’s trip to Manchester City without Abdoulaye Doucoure and Yerry Mina available.
Doucoure’s midfield cohorts Andre Gomes and Tom Davies are also not expected to feature at the Etihad Stadium while Mason Holgate is suspended.