Jordan Pickford ‘could be out for six weeks’ as Everton goalkeeper battles to be fit for the Euros

Jordan Pickford is reportedly facing six weeks on the sidelines, meaning he faces a battle to be fit enough to make England’s squad for the Euros this summer.

The Everton goalkeeper aggravated a recurring rib injury in the Toffees’ defeat by Burnley last week and has been told to rest after returning too quickly when he first picked up the knock earlier this season.

According to The Sun, Pickford could be out until May, meaning he could only make a couple of appearances before the end of the season. 

Jordan Pickford (left) is facing six weeks on the sidelines leaving England boss Gareth Southgate (right) sweating on his No 1’s fitness ahead of the Euros

The Everton man is facing six weeks on the sidelines after aggravating a reocurring rib injury

There has been much debate about who should start for England this summer but Gareth Southgate has maintained that Pickford is his No 1 choice.

The Three Lions boss will be without the shot-stopper for the World Cup qualifiers this month with Nick Pope and Dean Henderson battling it out to stake a claim.

West Brom’s Sam Johnstone was called up as the third-choice ‘keeper in Pickford’s absence.

Dean Henderson (left) and Nick Pope (right) will look to stake a claim for the No 1 spot during England’s qualifiers this month

It’s also bad news for Everton with Carlo Ancelotti’s side challenging for a place in Europe next season.

Second-choice ‘keeper Robin Olsen is meaning the Toffees boss turned to Joao Virginia for the FA Cup clash with Manchester City on Saturday.

While the young shot-stopper put in a impressive performance at Goodison Park, Everton were undone by two late goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne.

Virigina’s only Premier League appearance came when he replaced Pickford as a sub against Burnley while he was recalled from his loan spell with Championship side Reading last season due to a lack of game time.

Joao Virginia is deputising for Pickford with second-choice Robin Olsen also out injured