Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti admits he is unsure when midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure will be fit again.

The defensive midfielder did not play as the Toffees lost 2-0 to Chelsea away from home in the Premier League on Monday.

Ancelotti spoke about the importance of Doucoure, but would not commit to a return date.

Asked if the Frenchman had a broken foot by reporters, Ancelotti said: "I have to be honest with you, I don't really know what happened, they are checking. We will be more precise in the next few days.

"We are sure he will be out - and I don't know how long - but until the [international] break and when we are more precise on the recovery I will tell you."

Pressed on the matter, he added: "Really I don't know. It is an important injury but I don't know how long he will be out.

"We were out with Digne for two months and we replaced him really well using the back four.

"We were without Allan for two months and Tom Davies did fantastic performances. We are also going to manage the absence of Doucoure, of course.

"He is an important player, he puts a lot of energy [into the midfield] but I think we have the possibility to replace him well."