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.

Thats bad news for Everton and they were looking at finishing quite high this year. Also a massive blow for the Socceroos Cahill is our main scorer and we dont have much depth in the way of strikers. And such an important game coming up for them Everton take on fourth-placed Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield.