Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Mason Holgate may be sidelined for longer than first thought.
The Everton defender injured his toe during the pre-season friendly with Preston North End and missed Sunday's season opener with Tottenham Hotspur.
Holgate underwent scans earlier this week and felt he was facing a potential six week lay-off.
But Ancelotti has now offered a gloomier prognosis.
The Blues boss admits he is braced for the possibility of being without the 23-year-old for longer.
Following the 1-0 win over Spurs on Sunday, Ancelotti said: "There is no update.
"We are where we said when he had the injury, that it was for 8-12 weeks."
Holgate's absence has focused the club's efforts on finding defensive cover and Chelsea's Fikayo Tomori is of interest with Everton looking at taking the 22-year-old on loan.
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