Rodwell Euro blow for Everton

Everton manager David Moyes will be without nine regular squad members tomorrow when his team face BATE Borisov in the Europa League.

Promising midfielder Jack Rodwell has become the latest to be sidelined and did not travel with the group to Belarus.

Instead he remained at home to rest up and recover from flu symptoms.

South African winger Steven Pienaar was also, as expected, absent with a knee injury.

Pienaar’s setback occurred following a challenge by Portsmouth’s Aaron Mokoena - his national team captain – in the victory at Fratton Park at the weekend.

In-form Louis Saha is suspended, while recent arrivals John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are both ineligible.

With Phil Neville, Phil Jagielka, Mikel Arteta and Victor Anichebe all long-time injury absentees, Moyes is down on numbers as his side return to European action following the 4-0 victory against AEK Athens.

Moyes said: “While it is disappointing we don’t have the pick of all our players, that doesn’t make our involvement any less enjoyable.

“It (Europe) is something that we as a club always wanted. Finishing fifth last season and qualifying was a great achievement for us, so I am really looking forward to this match.”

Meanwhile Pienaar, while disappointed referee Alan Wiley did not take action at Portsmouth, is aiming to return to fitness as soon as possible.

In an interview with EvertonTV, he said: “I’m still in a bit of pain, but hopefully I will be OK in the next couple of days.

“When I landed on the ground it (the knee) was just sore. I thought that maybe the pain would ease off.

“As soon as I got back on the pitch I tried to run it off, but it was sore and I couldn’t turn or move my knee.

“All I’ve been able to do is to stay at home and put ice on it. But that’s all I can do.

“I was disappointed that we didn’t get a free-kick for it. I saw the clip and he was a bit late, but I also know that it is part of his (Mokoena’s) game to get stuck in.

“Maybe the referees are supposed to protect and blow for a free-kick, but everybody makes mistakes.”