Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi is expected to return to action against Arsenal February 3 after being ruled out for three weeks after damaging his ankle ligaments during Friday’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester United in their FA Cup third round clash.

The 26-year-old former Arsenal player damaged his ankle ligaments following a nasty challenge by Tyrell Malacia in the 47th minute.

After undergoing a scan on Sunday, it was revealed that the Nigerian would not spend a prolonged period on the sidelines receiving treatment.

“Alex Iwobi is expected to be out for around three weeks with the ankle ligament injury sustained against Manchester United on Friday,” the club wrote on their website.

“The Everton midfielder was taken off on a stretcher early in the second half of the FA Cup tie at Old Trafford.

“Scan results on Saturday confirmed a lateral ligament injury that will be managed conservatively by the club’s medical team at Finch Farm.”

The injury is a further blow to Everton, who dropped into the Premier League relegation zone after a heavy home defeat by Brighton last week.

Iwobi took to social media to send a message to Everton fans appreciating their support and assuring them that he would return soon.

The midfielder wrote, “Appreciate the love, back soon.”

Prior to the injury, Iwobi had been one of Everton’s most outstanding players this season, and has played in all 18 Premier League matches this season, scoring one goal and providing five assists.

The Toffees are in 18th position on the table with 15 points from 18 matches, and Iwobi’s absence will be felt as Frank Lampard faces a difficult task keeping his side out of the relegation zone.