An injury expert has now said that Richarlison could be out for Everton for longer than initially expected.
The Lowdown: Richarlison injured
Richarlison has missed the Goodison Park faithful's last two games after picking up an injury in their 3-1 win at home to Burnley in the Premier League a couple of weeks ago.
It is not known exactly how long he will be out for, but the Merseyside club will be keeping a close eye on his progress with another international break set to come in October.
The Latest: Injury expert on Richarlison
Speaking to Football Insider, Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries website and has a background in medicine and data analysis, has now said that Richarlison could be held back until after the international break has finished, despite mentions of him only being out for 'two or three weeks':
“It was an impact injury after a tackle from James Tarkowski.
“It was Richarlison’s ankle but the actual issue is knee related. It looks like there might have been a hyperextension of the knee.
“He did continue for a bit but couldn’t complete the game. Benitez came out and said he has been involved in some elements of training but doesn’t feel comfortable.
“He wasn’t able to complete those sessions and there was a decision on the eve of the Aston Villa game to take him out of the limelight.
“There is no definitive timeline in terms of what we are looking at but in around two or three weeks has been mentioned at this point.
“What I would say is we are heading into an international break so even if he is 50/50 it could be he is held back. Just to make sure he is in a good place.”
The Verdict: Potentially big blow
It would certainly be a big blow for Rafa Benitez and the Toffees if Richarlison was forced to sit on the touchlines until after the international break.
In the last two matches that he has missed, the Blues have lost both of them, slumping to a miserable 3-0 defeat away at Aston Villa before being knocked out 10-9 on penalties to Championship team Queens Park Rangers after a 2-2 draw at home (Transfermarkt).
Nonetheless, Benitez will want the Brazil international back in his squad as soon as possible as he can help him pick up some much-needed results.
In other news, find out what transfer news has Evertonians raging here!