Everton have been looking to bolster their defence ahead of this weekend’s Premier League showdown with West Bromwich Albion.
Albion take on Carlo Ancelotti’s men at Goodison Park on Saturday (12.30pm).
Speaking ahead of the game, Ancelotti revealed the club were hoping to bring in another centre-back in the wake of a double injury blow.
Mason Holgate was injured in a pre-season friendly against Preston North End earlier this month – and faces up to three months out of action.
And Jarrad Branthwaite is also facing a spell on the sidelines after being forced off during the midweek Carabao Cup win over Salford City.
“He (Branthwaite) had a problem on his ankle, he’s out for a least three to five weeks,” said Ancelotti at his pre-match press conference.
“He doesn’t need surgery but he has to rest for one month. Mason Holgate is out and the other players are all fit and ready to play.
“I have to follow the advice of the doctors, of the medical staff. He’s (Holgate) out for two or three months.
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“Honestly he feels good in this moment, he’s walking in the swimming pool without any problem. But I think we have to wait a little bit.”
Michael Keane and Yerry Mina are the only fit senior central defenders available to Everton at the moment.
The Toffees have been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori – some Ancelotti refused to be drawn on.
“Honestly we are looking for a centre-back, if the market offers something I think that we can have one,” the Italian added.
“Now we are only with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, but we are looking for another one.
“Tomori plays in Chelsea! So don’t ask me this.”
