Scotland manager Steve Clarke has admitted there is currently no clear return date for Everton defender Nathan Patterson following his injury sustained while away on international duty.
The Blues' full-back, looking to maintain his impressive form of late, was selected to start Scotland's UEFA Nations League match versus Ukraine on Wednesday evening but lasted only 26 minutes of the match before being stretchered off after colliding with Ruslan Malinovsky.
This blow comes after Patterson's injury woes of last season, which saw the 20-year-unavailable for any of Everton's matches from April onwards after undergoing surgery on an ankle issue.
READ MORE: Everton dealt huge injury blow as Nathan Patterson stretchered off in Scotland match
READ MORE: German police raid properties linked to Alisher Usmanov as Everton ties remain suspended
Issuing an update on the former Rangers right-back after the Tartan Army's 3-0 victory at Hampden Park, Clarke told Premier Sports : "It doesn't look too good when they go off on a stretcher - he obviously felt something on his leg.
"We will just wait and see what the medics say and how it pans out. Hopefully it is not too serious and that he's not out for too long.
"We will go away and have a little chat about it," added the Scotland boss regarding whether additional reinforcements will be required for upcoming games against the Republic of Ireland and a second meeting with Ukraine.
"David Turnbull will pull out of the squad, he picked up an ankle knock at the weekend and it's not going to clear up in time for us. We're two players light and I will probably need to call at least one or maybe two players."
News of another injury blow will come as unwelcome news for Frank Lampard, who is already without Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina in the defensive department.
READ NEXT:
- Everton have been transformed by three players as Carlo Ancelotti 'priority' signing faces uncertain future
- 14 stunning latest images of new Everton stadium work at Bramley-Moore Dock
- Everton stadium 'boost' from Euro 2028 explained as Liverpool and Anfield miss out
- ‘We know’ - Conor Coady makes Neal Maupay claim after first Everton goal
- Everton's transfer success has helped Frank Lampard answer burning managerial question