Leon Osman faces a further six weeks on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his injured ankle. The Everton midfielder has been out since limping off at half-time during the Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool on October 17.
It was initially thought the 29-year-old could be back in action within six weeks of that date but an operation has since become necessary.
Toffees boss David Moyes said: "He had an operation on Monday morning to take away a piece of floating bone from his ankle.
"We expected him to be out for four to six weeks, but we think he probably be out for another six weeks now.
"He seems fine. Hopefully this will help his ankle."
