Jordan Pickford dealt the Englishman a cruel blow at the 2022 World Cup when he missed Nations League fixtures following a derby injury

EVERTON have suffered serious injury damage after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was out for a month.

The 28-year-old has picked up a hamstring injury and is expected to miss crucial clashes with Arsenal and West Ham and faces a race against the clock to be fit for October’s showdowns with Southampton and Manchester United.

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The former Sunderland stopper is also certain to miss the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games against Italy and Germany at the end of September.

He had hoped to cement his place as England’s first-choice goalkeeper in the country’s final games before the World Cup kicks off in November.

Now Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope will try to put pressure on Pickford if Gareth Southgate gets the nod.

However, the ace is expected to have recovered from the blow in time to travel to Qatar.

Meanwhile, the news will come as a major setback for Everton boss Frank Lampard.

Pickford was also placed on the treatment table by third-choice goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.

That means summer signing Asmir Begovic will provide cover.

However, with the international break looming and the length of injuries, the Toffees are unlikely to land a free-agent keeper.

Pickford performed well against Liverpool on Saturday to give Everton a point in the goalless Merseyside derby.

However, he is believed to have broken the pain barrier, with the problem worrying him for a few weeks.

Everton travel to the Emirates this Sunday to face the Gunners.