James McCarthy’s injury nightmare continues after Ronald Koeman confirmed the Everton midfielder will be sidelined for a further three weeks.
McCarthy underwent surgery on a long-standing groin issue which recently ruled him out of the Blues’ win over Stoke City at the end of last month.
And the Republic of Ireland international is now set to miss Monday’s trip to Sunderland as part of a three-week lay off from the problem.
However Seamus Coleman, McCarthy’s team mate for club and country, is set to feature at the Stadium of Light after recovering from an ankle injury.
Koeman has also outlined his hopes for Romelu Lukaku after the striker returned following a two-goal showing for Belgium against Cyprus.
He said: “I expect lot from him. He is still only 23 and he knows he can improve and develop.
“He is an important player because he is normally the top scorer of the team and he showed that with Belgium. I hope he will score his next goal next Monday!
“Strikers need goals for confidence but he had a difficult pre-season, he came late, and now he is close to his best form and we will see that.”