Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed that midfielder Jack Rodwell has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring problem.
The 20-year-old, who has been struggling since December with an injury, was on course to make a comeback for the Toffees after returning to training.
"We've got a few bumps and bruises," Moyes told the club's official website. "Jack Rodwell has trained all week but unfortunately we feel he might have felt his hamstring again.
"He's been out already and it's been six weeks since the last time so we've been working slowly with him.
"He would certainly have been in contention to start the game so we're disappointed. It looks as if we're just going to lose him again."
Everton prepare to host Chelsea this weekend.
