Ronald Koeman has confirmed this weekend's game against Tottenham Hotspur will come too soon for new signing Ashley Williams, but skipper Phil Jagielka has been declared fit for the opening day of 2016/17.
Meanwhile, the boss explained Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman are both doubts for the sold-out Goodison Park clash.
Williams began pre-season later than most following Wales' 2016 exploits and Koeman has confirmed his latest recruit is not ready to face Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Jagielka made his return to action after hamstring trouble with 45 minutes in the Blues' last outing against Espanyol, but striker Lukaku was withdrawn partway through the contest after sustaining a cut to his heel.