Christian Norgaard has endured a difficult start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, failing to make a solitary appearance since his £7 million summer switch from Arsenal.
The capture of the Denmark international was met with excitement from Toffees boss David Moyes, however the Scotsman has cut a frustrated figure over the past few days when quizzed as to when his new charge could be ready to feature.
The 28-year-old was absent once more as Everton twice came from behind to rescue a precious Premier League point against Manchester United on Sunday with no obvious timeline put on his potential availability.
It's believed the former Brentford star is nursing a groin injury sustained with his former club Arsenal earlier this summer.
When is Christian Norgaard expected to return?
In short, nobody seems to really know, not even Moyes.
When asked for an update during his press conference at the weekend, the Toffees boss confirmed that progress is being made, but stopped short of revealing any more details.
"We don't know," he simply responded after being asked when Norgaard will be fit.
"We hoped it might have been quicker but it's not.
"He's making a little bit of progress, which is pleasing because we are going to need his experience and the extra bodes going forward."
Given Moyes hasn't even hinted at a potential date, it seems unlikely he will be available this side of the international break, meaning it could be well into October that Everton fans get to see their new midfielder in competitive action for the first time.
