Source: Telegraph
Injuries mount for Everton manager David Moyes after Benfica thrashing
A depleted side were hammered 5-0 by Benfica with four of the goals at the Estadio da Luz coming in the second half. [LNB]Moyes was without 11 players after Leighton Baines withdrew on the eve of the Europa League match with a calf problem. [LNB]That number increased with Russian winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov finishing the game with a strapping on his thigh. [LNB]Next up are Bolton on Sunday and Moyes said: "We will need to assess him when we get back as well. I am not sure either yet who might be fit for the weekend." [LNB]At least John Heitinga and Lucas Neill are available again - but Moyes refused to condemn his players after the caning by the Portuguese high-flyers. [LNB]It was Everton's first defeat in Group I and they conceded first place to a rampant Benfica. [LNB]Oscar Cardozo scored two of the goals with Luisao also on target in a breathtaking six-minute second-half spell. [LNB]With Javier Saviola starting and finishing the scoring it was a gruelling test for full-backs Dan Gosling and Seamus Coleman on his debut. [LNB]Moyes said: "That was the best team we had tonight. I have got to say they did the best they could and as good as they could. [LNB]"I have only praise for them. I have said to the players this is a different competition than the league, we've had two wins and one defeat. It is not too bad. [LNB]"Obviously tonight's defeat was not what we wanted but I would like to play Benfica with my best side. [LNB]"They have a good attitude and showed their attacking qualities in the second half and capitalised on several mistakes we made in that spell and took their opportunities very well. [LNB]"It shows them (the youngsters) the level they have to play at to get to the top." [LNB]Moyes singled out Benfica's Argentinian midfielder Angel Di Maria for praise. [LNB]He said: "I thought he was like an attacking full back, more of a winger. He did so many good things. He would have given a proper full-back tonight a real difficult game." [LNB]
