Everton Ladies defender Kika van Es will miss the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The 27-year-old Dutch international, a summer signing from Ajax, has started a rehabilitation programme.

The decision to carry out the operation during pre-season was made to minimise the number of competitive matches van Es will be unavailable for.

Van Es, who has also played for PSV Eindhoven and FC Twente in her homeland, was part of the Netherlands squad which reached the 2019 World Cup final.

She joined Everton on a two-year contract last month.