Everton have suffered a fresh injury blow ahead of their Premier League encounter with Watford at Goodison Park this afternoon after it was revealed that Yerry Mina will be unavailable for selection.

What's the word?

The Colombia international has been in fine form during the opening weeks of the new season, but Rafa Benitez confirmed that he won't play any part in today's encounter after picking up a hamstring problem.

"Always I say that I don't like to lie, Yerry Mina was playing three games with the national team, coming back he felt his hamstring in training the other day, so he won't be available," said the 61-year-old in Friday's press conference.

Mina is set to join the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on an extensive injury list for the Toffees, and Benitez also provided an update on his star striker's recent recovery setback, saying: "We have some issues. Dominic has a re-injury. How long he will be out? We need to see. We will not see him for four or five weeks, maybe. I don't like to put a timeframe on it."

However, the former Real Madrid boss provided some positive news for Everton supporters, revealing that he'll be able to call upon the services of Richarlison after a lengthy layoff due to a knee problem.

"Obviously, the match fitness is an issue, but he is happy and available for the visit of Watford," Benitez confirmed.

Benitez will be gutted over Mina

Despite the boost over Richarlison, the news that Mina will be unavailable for the visit of the Hornets will likely leave Benitez feeling gutted. The towering centre-back has started five league games this season and had put in some eye-catching performances prior to the international break.

As per WhoScored, the 27-year-old has averaged a whopping four clearances, 2.8 headers won, 1.5 interceptions and one tackle per league game, highlighting his influence over proceedings. Only two team-mates have made more clearances while just three have a better aerial duels record, illustrating the Colombian's importance at the back for Everton.

While the likes of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey are more than capable of filling in while Mina gets back to full fitness, having another key player on the treatment table will be a big concern for Benitez.

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