Everton will have to make do without Kevin Mirallas and Tony Hibbert throughout their festive schedule after the pair were ruled out for several weeks.
Belgian international Mirallas was substituted in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur when he suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury that had previously sidelined him for a month.
Hibbert missed the clash with Spurs due to a calf concern which has hampered his ability to play regularly all season.
Toffees medical staff have decided that an operation is required to resolve the problem, with surgery likely to keep him out until after the New Year.
Everton travel to Stoke City on Saturday and then West Ham United the following weekend, before consecutive home games against Wigan Athletic and Chelsea.
