Everton have revealed that they expect Nathan Patterson to be sidelined with an ankle injury until November.
Last week, the right-back was stretchered off during the first half of Scotland's UEFA Nations League fixture with Ukraine.
At the time, the issue was perceived to be knee-related with the 20-year-old seemingly facing a race against time to feature for the Toffees before the World Cup.
However, the Merseyside outfit announced on Wednesday morning that Patterson may be in a position to return for Everton's final games before the tournament in Qatar.
A club statement read: "Everton defender Nathan Patterson is expected to be out for around four to five weeks with an ankle injury.
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"The 20-year-old Blues right-back was forced off while on international duty during Scotland's Nations League win over Ukraine at Hampden Park last Wednesday.
"Following a consultation with a specialist in London, Patterson will now undergo treatment under the care of Everton's medical team at Finch Farm."
Although the prognosis will be regarded as a boost by some, the former Rangers man will still miss a significant batch of games after being one of Everton's star men.
Before the international break, Patterson was one of just three ever-presents in Frank Lampard's starting lineups in the top flight, the others being James Tarkowski and Alex Iwobi.
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In his most recent outing for Everton, Patterson made a last-gasp tackle during the closing stages versus West Ham United to help preserve his team's 1-0 advantage.
Nevertheless, Patterson now faces the likelihood of missing Everton's next six matches in the Premier League, starting with the trip to Southampton this weekend.
Games with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Fulham are also scheduled to be played in October.
Patterson may target the home fixture with Leicester City on November 5 as a potential return date, ahead of an EFL Cup and Premier League double-header with Bournemouth.
Darren Plant
