Everton captain Phil Jagielka has told Everton TV that the horrific injury sustained by Seamus Coleman provides additional motivation for his teammates heading into this weekend's Merseyside derby and the game against Manchester United on Tuesday.
The popular Republic of Ireland defender is facing months out after undergoing an operation on a broken tibia and fibula following a tackle by Wales' Neil Taylor in Friday's World Cup qualifier.
Jagielka hopes he and his teammates will all be able to speak to the 28-year-old prior to Saturday's trip to Anfield -- where they are looking to end a winless run stretching back to 1999 -- for extra incentive.
"There are two massive games coming up and that's one thing Seamus will want us to do, to play well and get some good results," Jagielka said. "We'll all be thinking about him and, come Saturday and Tuesday, I'm sure he'll have the TV on and be cheering us on.
"There'll be no incentive needed, but the circumstances over the last few days might add a bit of a motivational edge on our behalf.
"We want to go out there and play well and it will be nice if we can all get to speak to Seamus beforehand."
Coleman started 26 of Everton's 29 Premier League matches this season and had been enjoying a decent season, scoring four times and providing numerous assists.
The right-back is part of a hugely-experienced back four and Jagielka said his leadership will be missed.
"Seamus is a massive part of the furniture. He's been here a long time now, he's one of the leaders," he added.
"All we can do is be there for him. He's had the operation, it's been a success and he's on the slow road to recovery.
"As a club, a family, we have wished him a speedy recovery and we will be with him every step of the way. He's a great lad and hopefully we can get him smiling around the club as soon as possible.
"He'll be down at the moment because it's not long since it happened. His friends and family away from football will help him through these initial stages.
"When he is able to do things it's up to us as a club -- the players, physios, coaches. I'm sure we'll be able to get him to where he needs to get to.
"Hopefully it is as quick as possible, but the main thing is that he gets back to the levels he's been showing, not just this season."