Cahill’s injury won’t derail run-in: Moyes

EVERTON manager David Moyes believes his side will cope without Tim Cahill after revealing the influential midfielder will miss the rest of the season.

The news could not come at a worse time as the Toffees prepare to go to Anfield for the 178th Merseyside derby tomorrow with the battle for fourth heating up.

Everton could go ahead of their nearest rivals with a victory at Anfield but Cahill’s absence will be sorely felt. The 28-year-old has struggled for fitness and managed just 10 minutes in the 1-1 draw with West Ham last weekend before being substituted. Moyes has accepted defeat in terms of the 10-goal midfielder featuring again this campaign.

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

“It’s disappointing but it happens. I think we can cope.”

Cahill has played a key role for Everton with goals from midfield. To have him missing on a ground where Everton have not won since 1999 is a considerable blow.

Tomorrow’s fixture is billed as the match which will decide the European fate of both clubs but Moyes insists he just concentrates on the next game.

“It might be the knockout blow but might not be. There is a lot of football to play.

“If we can get some valuable points from the remaining seven games then hopefully it might see us overtake Liverpool in fourth.”

Everton are overdue a win at Anfield, having been waiting since Kevin Campbell struck the only goal in their last victory on the ground in September 1999. Since then they have recorded just two successes at Goodison Park in their last 16 encounters.

Meanwhile Lyon midfielder Kim Kallstrom admits he would relish a summer move to Everton. The Swede has been linked with Everton in recent weeks and the 25-year-old revealed that he could be tempted by a move to Goodison.

“England? maybe. It’s a great championship so why not? And why not Everton? They’re a great club who play at the top of the Premier League.”