Jordan Pickford said the injury suffered by Everton teammate Ben Godfrey was "tough to see" after the centre back was stretchered off during the season opener with Chelsea.
Godfrey suffered a fractured fibula while challenging Kai Havertz in the early stages of the first half. The incident unfolded just yards from Pickford and in front of the Gwladys Street crowd. Godfrey is expected to be out for around three months after undergoing surgery on Monday.
England number one Pickford, who wore the captain's armband in the continued absence of club captain Seamus Coleman, made his 200th appearance for the Blues in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. He was only beaten by a Jorginho penalty on the stroke of half-time. Pickford said the side could take confidence from the game despite the result, praising his teammates' defensive display and attitude during the hard-fought encounter. He believes Everton's players have the "commitment and desire" to be competitive in the Premier League this season.
