Everton boss Sean Dyche has confirmed that Seamus Coleman will miss Saturday's Premier League clash with Fulham through injury.

With the Toffees sitting just outside the relegation zone on goal difference, they will be desperate to claim all three points against the West London side.

If Everton are to pick up a victory then they will have to do it without the services of their experienced right-back Coleman, who has been ruled out with a hamstring problem.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Dyche told reporters: "He's [Coleman] got a niggly hamstring which will need a bit of time to settle down I think.

"He's been in fine form so that's another awkward one for us, it shouldn't be too long but he won't be fit for the weekend."

Coleman's absence could open the door for Nathan Patterson to be given his first Premier League start since January after recovering from a knee injury.

Dyche provided an update on Patterson's return to action and suggested that he is under consideration for Saturday's home game.

The Everton manager said: "It's as much game time with Pat really, coming back from injury and spending a bit of time out so it's about game time.

"With the way things have worked with the internationals, even getting reserve games it's been awkward. He's certainly in the thinking."

In the forward department, Everton have been without the services of Dominic Calvert-Lewin since February 4 due to injury and fitness issues.

Dyche was asked whether there was any truth to speculation that Calvert-Lewin will return to the matchday squad against Fulham.

The Toffees boss replied: "The truth is he's training and going along well. Having good players available is always the start point and it helps if you have strikers available who are proven and he is a proven striker."

Everton are still unable to call upon long-term injury absentee Andros Townsend, while Abdoulaye Doucoure will serve the second game of a three-match suspension. body check tags ::