Demarai Gray, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin - potential Everton injury return dates

Rafa Benitez must have walked under a ladder, smashed a mirror and spotted a lone magpie all in one day given Everton’s bad luck this season.

Injuries have taken their toll at Goodison Park, ripping apart the impressive progress made at the start of the campaign.

In total, the Toffees have had 15 players on the treatment table at some stage this term. Only Liverpool (16) have had more problems in the Premier League but have played more games because of their Champions League involvement.

Key men such as Richarlison, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Jordan Pickford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have all had periods sidelined for Everton.

As a consequence, form has dipped markedly and the Blues have won just once in their past nine games.

Things went from bad to worse when Demarai Gray came off in Sunday’s 3-0 loss at Manchester City.

And to rub salt in the wound, both Richarlison and Mason Holgate are suspended for this weekend’s trip to Brentford.

As things stand, there are six players out injured.

We take a look at when they might return to action.

Demarai Gray

The winger limped out of the City defeat in the 17th minute.

Gray's issue looked fairly ominous when he slumped on the floor and didn't once attempt to try to continue.

He was swiftly brought off and replaced by Alex Iwobi, who struggled to make an impact.

It appeared that Gray had a groin issue but reports on social media suggest he's suffered an adductor problem and the early prognosis is he'll be out for six weeks.

If that time frame is correct, he'll miss the Merseyside derby on Wednesday 1 December and the festive period.

It’s a hammer blow for one of the players of the season so far after his £1.7 million summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

Potential return date: unknown.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

How Everton have missed the all-action midfielder.

Doucoure was in rampant form before sustaining a broken metatarsal in the 1-0 loss to West Ham last month.

He'd recorded two goals and four assists in just nine games, with many agreeing he'd been one of the best performing engine-room operators in the top flight before his setback.

However, Benitez was optimistic Doucoure is nearing the end of his rehabilitation. Last Friday, the Everton boss admitted the Frenchman could be available in a week's time.

Potential return date: Brentford (Sunday 28 November)

Yerry Mina

The centre-back hasn't played for Everton since the 1-1 draw at Manchester United on October 2.

After the October international break, Mina was left on the bench against West Ham before he picked up a hamstring injury.

The Toffees have felt the absence of Mina, who's widely regarded as the best centre-half at the club.

When he's played this season, Benitez's side have picked up 11 points out of a possible 18.

There is some good news about the ex-Barcelona defender, though.

According to The Athletic, Mina is close to making a return to action.

Potential return: Brentford (Sunday 28 November)

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

It's been a frustrating campaign for the striker, all right.

After plundering three goals in as many games, Calvert-Lewin has not featured since because of a quad problem.

Everton have lacked Calvert-Lewin's qualities leading the line. Richarlison's not an out-and-out lone striker while Salomon Rondon has struggled to build any sort of momentum since his summer arrival.

Calvert-Lewin is, at least, coming towards the conclusion of his treatment.

On Friday, Benitez admitted the England international will be out for a minimum of another two weeks.

That will rule Calvert-Lewin out of the Merseyside derby.

Potential return date: Arsenal (Monday 6 December)

Tom Davies

When pictures of the academy product emerged wearing a knee brace and with crutches, it didn't look to good.

Benitez confirmed Davies suffered a problem in the 0-0 draw with Tottenham before the international break.

Given the nature of the midfielder's setback, it appears he could be out for a prolonged period.

Potential return date: unknown

Andre Gomes

Not too much has been made about the Portuguese's injury.

But it's more than two months since Gomes made an appearance, which came in the Carabao Cup third-round loss at QPR on September 21.

The former Barcelona midfielder has a calf setback which has continued to trouble him.

Potential return date: unknown.