Everton goalkeeper Howard out for up to 6 weeks

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a calf injury.

The 35-year-old United States international initially missed Sunday's loss at Newcastle with the injury sustained against Stoke on Friday.

"He's picked up a calf injury in his left calf and that's something that as a goalkeeper is really unusual," Everton manager Roberto Martinez said Tuesday. "It happened just kicking the ball against Stoke."

Joel Robles will play in Howard's absence, and Martinez will assess whether Everton needs to sign another goalkeeper.

"Tim is going to be a huge miss, not just on the pitch but being around the place ... having the calmness that he gives to the younger players and the know-how that he brings to the dressing room," Martinez said.

Howard's injury is a further blow for Everton, which has lost three consecutive matches heading into Thursday's game at Hull.