Everton boss David Moyes admits he was shocked by news that Jack Rodwell's ankle injury would keep him sidelined for three months.
Rodwell was injured in a challenge with Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock two weeks ago.
A disappointed Moyes admitted: "I thought when he went over it was a twisted ankle and he'd maybe be out for a week, if at all. But he got scanned and we knew there was a problem.
"They think it doesn't need surgery but unfortunately he is going to be out for two to three months.
"We were worried it was going to be a similar injury to Marouane Fellaini's but, thank goodness, it wasn't that bad."
