Thursday 22 December 2016 15:10, UK
Everton midfielder James McCarthy is facing a spell on the sidelines of up to three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Manager Ronald Koeman revealed the news on Thursday afternoon as the Toffees prepare for the visit to last season's champions Leicester City on Boxing Day.
"McCarthy is out with a slight hamstring and that's bad news because he was doing well," Koeman said.
"I am worried because of his many muscle problems but I think he can be back in two or three weeks."
Koeman added that goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was a doubt for the Foxes fixture.
The 26-year-old McCarthy has had a stuttering season at Goodison Park, struggling with a persistent hamstring problem and has featured in only seven Premier League games.
He last appeared in the 1-0 home defeat by Liverpool, having to be replaced at half-time by Gareth Barry.
Asked about Everton's recent form, which has seen them pick up two victories in their last 13 matches in all competitions, Koeman added: "We know it's a difficult time, but I knew that before.
"I wasn't expecting good results every day. We know what we need to do to improve and that is not done in two months."
