Everton expect Andre Gomes to miss this weekend’s game with Manchester City as a rib injury continues to keep him on the sidelines.
The Blues will give the midfielder every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the 5:30 kick-off at Goodison but are preparing to be without him for the visit of the champions.
Everton are assessing Gomes day-by-day but there are concerns it could be until after the international break, and the visit of West Ham United in mid-October, before he is fully recovered.
Gomes sustained the problem in the 3-2 win over Wolves on September 1 and has missed games with Bournemouth, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday.
Marco Silva is eager to reintroduce the £22m midfielder into his side but accepts Gomes cannot be rushed back from the rib injury.
