Everton confirm Johnson sprain

Everton striker Andy Johnson sprained his ankle in the Premiership defeat at West Ham, the club have confirmed.

The 26-year-old underwent a scan this morning in an attempt to establish the extent of the injury that forced him off after just seven minutes of Saturday's clash at Upton Park.

Everton's medical staff have assessed the results and are now happy their original diagnosis was accurate.

However, head physiotherapist Mick Rathbone has refused to predict when manager David Moyes may next be able to call on his first-choice striker as the Toffees look to clinch a place in next season's UEFA Cup.

"AJ has had a scan and that seems to confirm our clinical diagnosis that he sprained his ankle," Rathbone told the club's official website, www.evertonfc.com.

"It's too soon to estimate recovery time but the good thing is that the player normally heals quite quickly, so it's fingers crossed as far as we are concerned."

Everton currently lie fifth in the Premiership and are next in action against Manchester United at Goodison Park on Saturday.