Everton confirm defensive injury ahead of Southampton clash

Everton are looking to rekindle their form after a woeful sequence of results during the month of December but January has provided some encouragement, with the Toffees entering the weekend on the back of two consecutive victories across all competitions.

The opponents are Southampton, who have shown some improvements under Ralph Hasenhuttl after drawing with Chelsea and beating Leicester City, but Everton will still be favourites after the Saints suffered a premature FA Cup exit at the hands of Derby County.

However, the Toffees will be without a significant figure as Marco Silva confirmed to The Liverpool Echo that captain Phil Jagielka sustained an injury this week and is therefore likely to sit on the sidelines this weekend.

The 36-year-old has only featured twice this season for a total of just 54 minutes and was sent off in his only start back in August against Wolves, so Everton should be able to cope without the experienced defender.

Kurt Zouma and Michael Keane started the 2-0 win over Leicester last week, the former scoring his first goal for the club, and it is expected the pair will continue in their role – with Yerry Mina on the bench.

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