Everton manager David Moyes has revealed midfielder Darron Gibson faces a month on the sidelines with the thigh strain he suffered against Wigan on Boxing Day.
Gibson, only allowed to play against the Latics as Everton lodged what proved to be a successful appeal against the red card he received at West Ham, was replaced by Steven Naismith at half-time in the 2-1 home win.
The former Manchester United midfielder, who has started only nine Premier League games this season due to injury, will now miss the games against Newcastle United, Swansea City, Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and the FA Cup trip to Cheltenham Town.