Sky Sports are reporting that Everton’s Steven Pienaar has suffered a foot injury and will be forced out for around six weeks as a result.

Pienaar is believed to have picked up the injury against PSV in the 1-1 draw at the weekend.

There is no confirmation from Everton right now, indeed Sky have stated that the club have “refused” to confirm the news. If this is the case it would be a cruel blow to both Pienaar and Everton. The South African was constantly troubled by niggling injuries last season, while Everton’s resources, particuarly in midfield are stretched to breaking point.

The absence of Piennar must surely speed Moyes’ activities in the transfer market which must now take on a level of desperation – a good reason why Everton are looking to keep this latest blow under wraps.

If Everton fail to bring in players in time for the home game against Blackburn on Saturday then Moyes may have to go into that game with both Rodwell and Gosling in his lineup.