Alex Iwobi has been ruled out for three weeks after sustaining an ankle ligament injury during Everton’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester United.
The 26-year-old had to be taken off the Old Trafford pitch on a stretcher after he was on the receiving end of a challenge by Tyrell Malacia.
Iwobi, who has played 21 games for Everton this season, was replaced in the 51st minute during the eventual 3-1 defeat.
An Everton statement read: “Alex Iwobi is expected to be out for around three weeks with the ankle ligament injury sustained against Manchester United on Friday.
“The Everton midfielder was taken off on a stretcher early in the second half of the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford.
“Scan results on Saturday confirmed a lateral ligament injury that will be managed conservatively by the club’s medical team at Finch Farm.
”Manager Frank Lampard said of Iwobi’s injury after the full-time whistle on Friday: “We hope it’s not too serious.
“It is an ankle ligament injury, we hope it’s a lesser one. He will have a scan tomorrow to confirm.
”Everton are next in action on Saturday when they face fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton at Goodison Park.
Lampard’s side are 18th in the Premier League having collected 15 points from 18 top-flight games.
