Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been hit by an injury blow.
The Athletic tonight claimed Pickford could be out for up to a month. And the club has now confirmed that the England No.1 suffered a thigh injury in the Merseyside derby draw at home to Liverpool on Saturday.
The Blues added that Pickford "has undergone medical investigations this week and is not expected to return to action until after the next international break".
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The news comes as a blow to Everton, who performed impressively in drawing 0-0 with Liverpool but were still indebted to their stand-in skipper - club captain Seamus Coleman was on the bench - for a string of superb saves.
The Blues' third-choice keeper, Andy Lonergan, is also currently sidelined with a knock. That means Asmir Begovic is set to be only senior stopper available to Blues boss Frank Lampard for Sunday's trip to Arsenal.
With Pickford and Lonergan out, the vastly experienced Begovic is likely to take over between the posts at the Emirates, with youngster Billy Crellin likely to act as his deputy.
But what other games could Pickford miss if he is indeed sidelined for a month?
After Arsenal, Everton welcome West Ham United to Goodison Park on Sunday, September 18. The first international break of the season follows.
Pickford, England's established No.1, is set to miss the UEFA Nations League matches away to Italy on September 23 and at home to Germany on September 26.
And if is out for the full four weeks, as the Athletic report, that would see him miss the Blues' trip to Southampton on October 1 once Premier League football resumes. However, he should then return for the visit of Manchester United to Goodison on October 9.
Lonegan is expected to return to full fitness before Pickford. Everton are also currently without defenders Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey through injury as well as winger Andros Townsend. But it is hoped midfielder Adboulaye Doucoure and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could return against Arsenal.
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