John Heitinga could be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a hairline fracture of his ankle.
But Holland international will recover for World Cup
Everton defender John Heitinga could be out for the remainder of the season after suffering a hairline fracture of his ankle.
The Dutchman sustained the injury in Everton's 2-2 draw against Aston Villa last Wednesday and is now certain to miss the clash with Fulham at the weekend.
Toffees manager David Moyes admits it is an unfortunate injury, but believes the Holland international will be back in time for this summer's World Cup.
"Johnny Heitinga has got quite a bad injury," he said. "We have found that there might be a very, very slight hairline fracture in there.
"He doesn't think it is too bad and we don't think it is too bad but there is a chance he might not play again this season.
"It won't affect his World Cup though. He will be fine for that. The injury just needs a couple of weeks rest.
Attitude
"Johnny says he hopes to play in the last two games and it is great because he wants to play.
"Maybe some players would say they want to rest because the World Cup is more important but Johnny Heitinga is not.
"He is saying to us that Everton is more important to him right now and playing in the final games.
"I think that is what makes him popular with the fans. It makes him popular with me and the staff too because he is someone with a really good attitude."
Everton are still in with a shout of qualifying for Europe next season but will need three more positive results if they are going to finish seventh.
Local rivals Liverpool currently occupy that position, and the Toffees trail the Reds by five points.
