Pienaar admits frustration

EVERTON midfielder Steven Pienaar has spoken of his frustration at being sidelined with a knee injury.

Pienaar will be out for the fourth match in a row this evening when David Moyes’ side face Benfica in the Europa League.

He was resting at home when the party flew out to Lisbon to prepare for the Group I match.

The South African star said: “I didn’t expect it to be this sore. It just takes time though as it needs to heal on its own.

“A few of the fibres split in my ligament so I have to rest and do my exercises. But at the moment I am struggling with running.

“I spent the summer at the Confederations Cup and when I returned to Everton I wanted to work hard, stay fit and not pick up any injuries.

“Unfortunately though sometimes injuries happen in football and now I have to climb the ladder again to regain my fitness.

“I know I will then have to fight for my place back in the team.”

Everton will be also be without Joseph Yobo in Portugal as the defender suffered a head injury during the draw with Wolves.

Lucas Neill and John Heitinga are sidelined as they are ineligible for this Group I match.

Everton are looking to secure their third successive win in the group and stretch their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games.

With away matches to follow against Bolton on Sunday and Tottenham on Tuesday in the Carling Cup, it is a testing time for Moyes’ small squad.

A threadbare squad of 18 player travelled out yesterday but goalkeeper Tim Howard is energised by the challenges ahead.

Howard said: “It is a big week for us but I think we are ready for it.

“We enjoy travelling in Europe and hopefully this game will kick us off in the right direction.”