Sunday, November 30, 2008

Everton's Yakubu out for season

Yakubu
Yakubu's injury took the gloss off an impressive win at White Hart Lane

Everton striker Yakubu is out for the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during Sunday's 1-0 win over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

The Nigerian went off early on after what looked an innocuous challenge.

But Toffees boss David Moyes said after the match: "He's done his Achilles and that's him out for the season.

"Louis Saha did his hamstring as well so, with James Vaughan facing a knee operation, we are really short up front. It's a massive shame for us."

Yakubu went down awkwardly during a challenge with Ledley King on 10 minutes, but at first looked as if he would be fit to carry on.

However, he was soon replaced by Saha and, after being examined by the medical staff in the dressing room, Moyes's worst fears were confirmed.

Saha was later stretchered off with a hamstring injury meaning, with Vaughan out until the new year at the earliest after injuring his knee in training, Moyes is left with Victor Anichebe as his only fit striker.

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"We've had no luck injury-wise," said Moyes. "But I'm hopeful that the group will work hard and respond to the challenge, especially Anichebe who, whilst only young, has real quality."

When asked if the injuries would prompt the Scot to seek reinforcements in the January transfer window, he added: "It is well documented that we don't have great amounts of cash here and getting involved in January certainly wouldn't have been our ideal plan.

"But the chairman has always backed me and clearly we can't go through the rest of the season if we only have one fit striker.

"We'll see where we are and what we can do when the time comes in the new year."

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