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Injury blow for Everton keeper Tim Howard

Image: Tim Howard: Out for six weeks

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a calf injury.

Howard suffered the injury against Stoke on Boxing Day and also missed Sunday's loss at Newcastle.

Roberto Martinez revealed the news at his Tuesday morning news conference ahead of Everton's trip to Hull on New Year's Day.

"Tim Howard will be out between five and six weeks with a calf injury," he said.

Joel Robles will continue in goal against Hull but Martinez has not ruled out bringing in another keeper in the January transfer window.

"I thought Joel was very calm against Stoke and did well against Newcastle but we will assess whether we need cover," he said.

Everton have lost their last three games and Martinez admitted that the loss of the experienced USA international Howard was a big blow.

"He's picked up an injury in his left calf and that's something that, as a goalkeeper, is really unusual,” said the manager. “It happened just kicking the ball against Stoke.

"Tim is going to be a huge miss, not just on the pitch but being around the place and having the calmness that he gives to the younger players and the know how that he brings to the dressing room.

"Tim is a big game player. When he plays for the national team in tournaments and when he plays for us, he's used to that scrutiny and responsibility, and he just embraces it.

"That's something that we need to have spread out throughout the squad. We need that big game, big team mentality and to cope with the expectations and whatever surrounds the performance."

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