Theo Walcott is losing his battle to be fit for Everton’s Premier League game against West Ham United with the rib injury he suffered before the international break.

But Walcott has not yet given up hope of returning in time to face his former club Arsenal at the Emirates a week on Sunday.

Walcott was forced out of Everton’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town after injuring a rib and could not train fully last week.

The 29-year-old, who has already started the season well and scored two goals, has begun running again but the West Ham clash is likely to come too soon.

Losing Walcott will be a blow to Everton manager Marco Silva, whose team remain unbeaten but have drawn three of their four Premier League games.