Everton will be without Andre Gomes for the next three matches in what is a significant blow for Marco Silva.
The midfielder arrived from Barcelona on loan during transfer deadline day in the summer, following teammate Yerry Mina who confirmed a permanent deal from the Catalan giants.
However, the Blues were forced to wait to see their new man in action because of a hamstring the Portuguese international arrived with.
The 25-year-old's debut for his new club came in a 2-0 home victory over Crystal Palace - and he hasn't looked back since then.
Everton star Henry Onyekuru on almost joining Paris Saint-Germain - and the reason why he didn't
A string of brilliant performances instantly endeared Gomes to the Everton fans and, following a little dip over the winter months, the last few weeks have produced the same fantastic displays.
However, following a challenge on Aleksandar Mitrovic missed by the match officials against Fulham on Saturday, it was announced the midfielder has picked up a three-match ban .
He will now be absent from upcoming fixtures against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Burnley - but will be back for the Blues' last match of the season against Tottenham Hotspur.
But it can't be ignored how much Everton will miss the Portuguese international.
Andre Gomes has made 41 successful dribbles in the Premier League this season - more than any other Everton player.
— EFC Statto (@EFC_Statto) April 17, 2019
He also has a pass accuracy of 84.8% in the Premier League this season - higher than any other Everton player (min. 400 passes). #EFC
Despite missing the first two months of the campaign, Gomes has completed more dribbles in the Premier League than any other Blues player - and his pass accuracy is also the highest among the squad.
Replacing him in the side won't be easy, but there are now a number of options facing Marco Silva .
Morgan Schneiderlin
This is actually something Silva has attempted to introduce fairly recently.
As previously mentioned, Gomes and Everton in general experience a significant dip in form and performances during the course of the hectic winter period.
Following a 17-day break from action in February, the match away to Cardiff City at the end of that month was a perfect way for the Blues to find form again.
Everton become sole users of Z Cars as Watford make bizarre pre-match decision
Silva opted for Morgan Schneiderlin alongside Idrissa Gueye on that day - and the pair performed admirably as Everton secured a comfortable 3-0 win.
The French international's form was so good, he kept his place in the side for the visit of Liverpool to Goodison Park in the following game, which also saw a strong display.
The midfielder subsequently lost his place in the line-up to Gomes for the trip to Newcastle however, and has been out of the side since.
However, Silva clearly rates him, and the door might be open for the 29-year-old once more.
Tom Davies
While Schneiderlin would be considered a defensive option, Tom Davies is a bit closer to the Gomes mould.
The Portuguese international has fashioned himself as a box-to-box option over the weeks he has been in the side, and his ability to transition Everton from defence to attack has been crucial.
Davies seems the most natural option to step into that role.
How Everton's Lucas Digne is the Premier League's best left back - at both ends of the pitch
The youngster was used in a more advanced position during his most recent run in the side towards the end of January and in early February - and seemed to excel.
Perhaps a tweak in Silva's system would be able to bring the best out of the 20-year-old, letting Gueye sit back while Davies is allowed to roam a little more freely up the pitch.
He's already shown he has the energy, quality on the ball and desire to command a place in the Everton setup - and this opportunity could be perfect for him.
Tweak the system
While we're on the subject of tweaking the system, however, could this be a perfect chance for more experimentation as the campaign winds down to a close?
Everton have three centre-backs fit and available at the minute, which has been quite rare especially in recent weeks.
This is when Everton's Premier League 2019/20 fixtures are released
Silva has been known to trial three-at-the-back in the past, so could this potentially be another opportunity to try that out?
Of course, a similar system could be utilised with a more attacking midfielder lining up alongside Gylfi Sigurdsson - with Ademola Lookman potentially in a prime position for some increased game time.
However, the Icelandic international has also been known to play a little further back, so that could also be a potential option - with Bernard moving central and either Lookman or Theo Walcott coming on to the flanks.
Regardless, there are a number of options facing the manager ahead of this weekend's big match against Manchester United - and it will certainly be intriguing to see which he chooses.
