Everton's hopes of finishing fourth in the Barclays Premier League have been dealt a blow after influential midfielder Tim Cahill was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken metatarsal.


The Australian midfielder has struggled for fitness in the past month and managed just 10 minutes in the 1-1 draw with West Ham last weekend before being substituted.

News of Cahill's absence comes as a blow to manager David Moyes and his squad with a crucial Merseyside derby against fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield.

'He has a broken foot and I wouldn't expect him to play again this season,' said Moyes.