Cahill blow for Toffees

Everton have confirmed that Tim Cahill will be sidelined for between six to eight weeks.

Everton have confirmed that influential midfielder Tim Cahill will be sidelined for between six to eight weeks with the knee injury he sustained at the weekend against Aston Villa.

The 1-0 defeat was compounded by the injury incurred by Australia international Cahill after an accidental collision with team-mate Lee Carsley.

Everton had initially feared that the player had damaged cruciate ligaments in his right knee, which would have curtailed Cahill's involvement for the rest of the season.

A scan has now, though, allayed these fears but it is expected that the 26-year-old may need an exploratory operation to access any potential damage to the cartilage.

Toffees chief David Moyes admits Cahill's injury is a bitter pill to swallow, conceding that the player's goalscoring capabilities and all-round tenacity will be difficult to replace.

"It's a big blow for us as he has been such an influential performer," said Moyes. "We will miss him greatly and you can't replace his goals.

"He is a huge part of our team, a real important member. He is good in the air, he has got drive. He has got so many all-round strengths.

"I can't really put into words how much he will be missed for the next six to eight weeks. But it has happened now and we have just got to get on with it.

"What we want now is to see someone else step up to the plate and help us like Tim does."

While disappointed by the news of a possible two-month absence, the Scottish tactician draws comfort from the fact Cahill is normally a quick healer.

He added: "He will do everything that he can to get back from this injury as quickly as possible, he will want to make sure that he is not out for eight weeks.

"He is tough and he will be pushing himself all the time. That is an asset.

"I think we were all a bit concerned that it could have been worse than it actually is. The problem is with his medial ligament and there is also a little bit of damage to the cartilage.

"He might have a slight tear. But we are thankful that it is not his cruciate as that would have been it for the season."

Everton physio Mick Rathbone went on to offer a frank assessment of the injury, of the opinion that an eight-week period of recuperation is realistic.

"We had the scans yesterday and it confirms what we see clinically, which is that he has significant damage to his medial ligament. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) seems okay which was our fear.

"We would estimate it would be an absolute minimum of six weeks but probably going on for eight weeks for the medial ligament.

"We think and hope the cartilage is okay. What we will do is let it settle down for a few days then reassess. The surgeon may decide to have a quick look inside the knee at the cartilage but we are not really sure about that.

"I suppose everybody knew it was a serious injury; it was clear having looked at the video tape."