Lescott rues Pienaar blow

Defender laments absence of South African

Last updated: 13th August 2008

Steven Pienaar Everton

Pienaar: Injury blow

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Joleon Lescott has admitted that losing Steven Pienaar for the start of the season is a 'big disappointment'.

The South African joined Everton on loan from Borussia Dortmund last summer and made his move permanent in May after an excellent season.

Everton have otherwise been very quiet in the transfer market over the last couple of months and their squad has been severely hit by injuries.

Pienaar will be out until the end of September after breaking a toe in the recent friendly against PSV Eindhoven and Lescott admits it is a major loss.

"Losing Steven is a massive blow," said the defender. "He has been one of our most influential players, during last season and especially this pre-season.

"It's a big disappointment not to have him. He was a massive part of our success last season and he has come back for pre-season looking just as sharp, if not sharper."