Everton boss Frank Lampard has suffered a 'massive blow' as an injury to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was 'the last thing he needed' at Goodison Park, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Toffees are still searching for their first win of the Premier League season, but Lampard will be unable to call upon his first choice shot-stopper in the coming weeks.
GiveMeSport Injury News
What's the latest news involving Pickford?
Everton have confirmed that Pickford suffered a thigh injury during the Merseyside derby with Liverpool last week and, following medical investigations, he is not expected to return to action until after the upcoming international break.
It is understood that a scan has revealed the damage is not serious but will keep him on the sidelines for at least four weeks, meaning the 28-year-old will miss the Toffees' clash with West Ham United, along with England's Nations League matches against Italy and Germany later this month.
According to The Athletic, Everton have considered drafting in a free agent as fellow goalkeeper Andy Lonergan also has a knee issue.
However, the report suggests the acquisition of a new custodian is unlikely as Lonergan, who moved to Goodison Park 12 months ago, should return to contention after the international break.
Pickford's injury means his run of failing to miss a single minute of the Premier League campaign and wearing the captain's armband has come to an end.
What has Dean Jones said about Pickford?
Jones fears that Everton's search for a first top flight win of the season will be prolonged now that Pickford, who earns £110,000-per-week, is facing a spell on the treatment table.
The journalist believes Lampard, who was appointed as the Toffees' boss in January, will be frustrated by the 28-year-old's injury.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "It's a massive blow. I think his presence is so significant behind that defence and I do really worry about them at a time when they still haven't picked up a win.
"I think Frank Lampard is probably feeling like he just can't catch a break in this job at the moment.
"Whatever way you look at it, as Everton head into their next game, the last thing they needed was to lose Pickford."
Who will be Everton's first choice goalkeeper in Pickford's absence?
With Pickford and Lonergan being unavailable, Asmir Begovic is Everton's only fully fit goalkeeper and will start between the sticks when they host West Ham next weekend.
The 35-year-old played the full 90 minutes as the Merseyside outfit overcame Fleetwood Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup last month.
He also has bags of Premier League experience, having featured in the competition 255 times, so Lampard will have confidence in the Bosnian.
However, there is no doubt that Everton will miss Pickford, who is a 45-cap England international and will be keen to return from injury as soon as possible with the World Cup in Qatar on the horizon.