Frank Lampard has explained that Michael Keane was suffering with illness in the build-up to Everton's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday evening.
The Blues were beaten 5-0 in north London after a dreadful performance, with the centre-back scoring a 14th-minute own goal to start off the rout.
The defender was withdrawn at half time, shortly after a clearance from teammate Mason Holgate had slammed into the side of his head.
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However, Lampard later revealed that Keane was suffering with an illness shortly before the match.
The Everton manager is also expecting to have Ben Godfrey back in training over the course of the week, but will be forced to wait significantly longer for Yerry Mina's return.
He told his post-match press conference: "Michael has been unwell for the last couple of days.
"To be fair to him he put himself up for selection. We're short on centre-backs.
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"Ben Godfrey is back training this week, Yerry Mina is going to be another four or five weeks at least.
"We don't have options in that area of the pitch. As you see with any squad, if you lose two main centre halves it makes things very difficult.
"The reality is we conceded through that area tonight. Michael was more that he was struggling off the back of not feeling great."
