MOYES IN JAG BLOW

EVERTON have been rocked by the news that defender Phil Jagielka is likely to miss the rest of 2009 after undergoing further knee surgery.

The England ace was edging closer to a first-team return after rupturing his left cruciate ligament against Manchester City in April. But the central defender has suffered a setback.

Toffees boss David Moyes said: “Jagielka had an operation this week on a tear in his cartilage. He had it done on Wednesday afternoon.

“We think he will be out for probably four to six weeks. He was due to start light non-contact training this week.

“When you get your cruciate done, it nearly always damages your cartilage. They have sutured it back together.

“Joe Cole had the same thing, and that’s what has happened with Jags. He was down when he heard about it, but he is on the road to recovery now.

“Even if Jags comes back in six weeks that’s still a pretty good recovery as it’s seven to seven-and-a-half months after a cruciate.

“At the moment he’s six months, which is a bit sharpish to return. If Jags is seven months then it’s not outrageous. It’s just a little setback.”

The injury problems are piling up thick and fast for Moyes, who saw his under-strength side beaten at Goodison Park by Benfica in the Europa League.

Playmaker Mikel Arteta has suffered a setback in his recovery from cruciate trouble while Moyes has also admitted he doesn’t know when Victor Anichebe will return from his knee problem.

Despite the injuries, Moyes has vowed to end a seven-game winless run at West Ham tomorrow.

» MORE 'FOOTBALL' HERE...

Share @:Digg StumbleUpon del.icio.us Newsvine reddit

Want to Shout?

 

Print This Page

Email To A Friend

Contact Us

Get RSS