Everton are set to be without Richarlison and Andros Townsend for several weeks.
Richarlison suffered a tear in his calf during last weekend’s 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace and was withdrawn early in the second half by Rafael Benitez.
The Brazil international, 24, is expected to be sidelined for ‘a number of weeks’ following a scan, Goodison Park chiefs confirmed on Tuesday.
Benitez attempted to explain in the aftermath of the Palace result his reasons behind substituting Richarlison amid an angry reaction from travelling fans.
“At half-time, we could see him limping and he had a problem with his calf,” the Spaniard said at the time.
“We tried to make the substitution at half-time but he said he wanted to try the second half.
“It was obvious he was not at the level we were expecting and without (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin available we didn’t want to take the risk.
“So you make a substitution and you cannot expect a fan to [know] why.
“The player was not helping by moving his arms but he knew because he told us and would see he wasn’t fully fit. We were trying to protect a player.
“But it goes against you. Now you have an explanation. Hopefully everybody understands that we tried the best for the team and to protect a player.”
Townsend also faces a lengthy spell out of action as a result of sustaining a small fracture in his foot in the reversal at the hands of Patrick Vieira’s side
A more specific prognosis will be made once the 30-year-old. who started in all but one of the Blues’ 19 games this season, is reviewed by specialists.
Everton are assessing a third casualty from the Selhurst Park game in captain Seamus Coleman after he suffered bone bruising and soft tissue damage.
The veteran right-back will be monitored over the coming days but is unlikely to be available in time for Thursday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.