Everton defender Michael Keane has been hospitalised with a "nasty" infection that has spread up his leg.

The 24-year-old England centre-back missed Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Leicester City. 

Everton Interim manager David Unsworth confirmed the infection began in a gash that he suffered in the EFL Cup win over Sunderland over a month ago, and he has played in six games since including two World Cup Qualifiers for England, but the problem has started to improve.

"Michael got a knock; a really bad gash against Sunderland, and it got infected and spread up his leg," Unsworth said at full-time at the King Power Stadium.

"It's been really, really nasty and he's been hospitalised. We got some good news when we got to the ground that there's been a big improvement, so hopefully he can be available for Sunday's game."

Everton play at home on Sunday against Watford with eight points at 18th position on the league table. They look forward to win against The Hornets to climb up the table.