Carlo Ancelotti says he will have to rotate his squad with Everton set to play twice in three days - but may have to do so without James Rodriguez and Richarlison.
Playmaker James will definitely miss the Boxing Day trip to Sheffield United and visit of Manchester City on 28 December due to the calf problem that has seen him sit out the Blues' last four games, while Richarlison is being assessed after suffering a blow to the head during Wednesday's Carabao Cup meeting with Manchester United.
The Brazilian was withdrawn on 56 minutes after a collision with Eric Bailly and by Premier League rules will not be allowed to play for a total of six days if he is found to have suffered a concussion.
And with Everton in the midst of a hectic festive schedule - the visit of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side was the Blues' fourth game in 12 days - Ancelotti admits there will be opportunities for others to shine.
Earlier this season, Everton lost three straight matches while Richarlison was suspended and, speaking after Wednesday's defeat, the Italian said: "If he [Richarlison] has a concussion, he has to stay out, we have to follow the protocols and we have to be able to replace him better than when he was not here [before].
"Also, for the next two games James will not be available.
"If Richarlison is not there it will be a great opportunity for the players that didn't play a lot, and for this game they can show their qualities."
Ancelotti added: "I think that [before] Sheffield United we have the possibility to recover all the players and, after the game, of course, we have to take into consideration the fact that we are going to play again two days later, so it will not be possible [for all of the same players to play].
"I think, not for the first game but for the second game, we are going to rotate the players."
Boxing Day’s opponents Sheffield United were the Premier League’s surprise package last season, recording 14 wins on their way to a ninth-place finish.
This time around, however, Chris Wilder’s side have found form tougher to come by and currently sit bottom of the table with just two points from 14 games.
Ancelotti, though, won’t take anything for granted against a Blades team who drew at Brighton last time out despite playing more than 50 minutes with 10 men following the dismissal of Everton Academy graduate John Lundstram.
Everton go into the encounter nestled inside the top four and Ancelotti said: “I think we have to move on [from the Manchester United defeat]. Of course, we are disappointed but we performed.
“We have to be able to recover the energy that we need to play against Sheffield United because it will be a tough match, an important match and we want to keep the position in the league that is a good position.
“Sheffield United did a fantastic game against Brighton. Also, because they were with 10 men, they performed really well. It will be an important game.
“They need the points, we need the points - all the teams need the points.
“As usual, it will be a tough game because the Premier League is like this. Every game you have to fight to have a result.”
