Leighton Baines will not feature in Friday's game against Crystal Palace, with boss Ronald Koeman deeming it "too risky" following the left-back's absence with a hamstring injury.
The defender has sat out the Blues' last two matches against Norwich City and Bournemouth and Koeman had said he would be assessed closer to the evening encounter with the Eagles at Goodison Park.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, the Toffees chief updated: "It’s too risky and after tomorrow we have the international break, so we don’t want to take that risk."
Koeman also confirmed Romelu Lukaku will lead the line against Alan Pardew's side despite a recent foot complaint.