Third Everton player succumbs to injury in space of a week

Darron Gibson has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad and will return to Everton due to what the Irish are calling a "persistent groin injury".

The 27-year-old linked up with the squad at the start of the week to prepare for a Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland in Dublin on Sunday but was unable to train on Monday or Tuesday.

After further assessment by the team's medical staff on Wednesday it was concluded the former Man Utd man is not fit and is better off returning to Everton for treatment.

Gibson is no stranger to the treatment table and it seems like he is never truly free of some sort of injury or niggle, so this news should come as no surprise to Evertonians.

That doesn't mean it is any less frustrating, as Gibson's assured presence in midfield has been keenly felt during his fleeting recent appearances, most recently against QPR on Sunday.

The hope is that his injury is not too serious and can be managed between now and the end of the season. Players often pull out of international squads following agreements between countries and their respective clubs so it may well be that Gibson has been released due to his recent injury record and the need to rest.

He joins Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone on Everton's injury list after the both limped out of last weekend's win at Loftus Road.

Lukaku is rumoured to be out for up top three weeks with a hamstring strain while Kone is awaiting the results of a scan on a knee injury.