Theo Walcott to miss the first month of Premier League's restart
Everton's Theo Walcott will miss the first month of the Premier League restart after undergoing abdominal surgery.
Walcott suffered discomfort in training at USM Finch Farm, with club doctors diagnosing the issue and the winger having an operation on Monday evening.
It is another complication for manager Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the Merseyside derby on June 21. Defender Yerry Mina has already been ruled out with a thigh injury.
Ancelotti has also been without Andre Gomes in recent training sessions, but it is understood he has a minor issue and will be available for Liverpool’s visit, which is now confirmed as taking place at Goodison Park.
Walcott now faces a challenge to have a meaningful role during his club’s remaining nine games, although he is still hopeful of returning in time.
Everton announced his absence in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“The 31-year-old had abdominal surgery on Monday evening, having developed symptoms following our return to training,” it said.
“He has now started his rehabilitation under the care of the club’s medical team and is expected to make a return to training in 4 weeks.”
Everton have not had much luck with injuries since their return to training.
Midfielder Jean-Phillipe Gbamin was hoping to rejoin the squad after a luckless debut campaign, only to face another lengthy period out following surgery on a damaged Achilles tendon.
After signing from Mainz last summer for £25 million, a direct replacement for Idrissa Gueye, Gbamin has barely played for his new club because of a previous tendon injury. He has made just two appearances for Everton so far.
Now Walcott's absence further limits the manager's options as he looks for an encouraging end to the season, building towards the 2020/21 campaign.
