Everton manager Frank Lampard expects James Garner to be out of action until February, with the 21-year-old midfielder confirmed to have sustained a back injury.
Garner missed the club's final Premier League match against Bournemouth before the World Cup break, with the problem initially described as a 'knock'.
The 21-year-old is now expected to be on the sidelines for the next two months, with Lampard confirming the 'disappointing injury' blow.
Garner has made six substitute appearances for Everton in the Premier League, since moving to Goodison Park in a £15million summer move from Manchester United.