Everton boss Roberto Martinez admits it is too early to put a date on when Phil Jagielka will return from a hamstring injury.
The Blues captain limped off during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Watford and a scan has revealed that he is now set for another spell on the sidelines, having previously missed two-and-a-half months of the campaign due to a knee problem.
Since returning in January, Jagielka has added extra steel to the Toffees’ back-line but he will now miss both Wednesday’s trip to Crystal Palace and Saturday’s visit of Southampton.
With the Merseyside derby and an FA Cup semi-final also on the horizon for Everton, Martinez is understandably concerned by the 33-year-old’s latest absence.
The Spaniard admits it is too early to set a date for a when his skipper will be back fit but he is confident the picture will be clearer by the start of next week.
“With Phil Jagielka the scan has revealed he is going to miss tomorrow’s game and miss the game at the weekend against Southampton,” Martinez told the club’s official website. “At that point we will have to assess it on a daily basis. It is such a congested fixture list that it would be dangerous to give a date on when he will be back.
“It is too early to make an assessment for the semi-final. Phil is always a quick healer and we will see how the treatment affects his recovery. We will have a better idea on Monday or Tuesday next week.”
Everton are currently 2.50 to win on Wednesday at Selhurst Park, with the draw 3.25 and the Eagles priced at 2.88.
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