More Everton gloom as Yobo is ruled out for month with hamstring injury

11 December 2009 12:27
Everton defender Joseph Yobo has been ruled out for four weeks with a hamstringinjury. The 29-year-old Nigeria international initially suffered the injury in the Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool, but aggravated the problem last weekend in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham last weekend.[LNB]Four weeks out: Joseph Yobo[LNB]Yobo will miss tomorrow's clash with Chelsea as the Toffees seek to end a run of four Barclays Premier League fixtures without a win.[LNB]'Joseph Yobo is going to be out for four weeks, probably, with a hamstring injury,' manager David Moyes confirmed.[LNB]The defender said: 'A scan carried out showed that it was a familiar hamstring injury [and] that I should rest until the end of the year. They (doctors) anticipate that I should be fully back at the end of December.[LNB]'Unfortunately that will cost me a chance to help out my club at this demanding and crucial stage of the season.'[LNB]Yobo's absence adds yet another injury to the already extensive list, and compounds problems in defence.[LNB]With Phil Jagielka and Phil Neville still some weeks away from recovering from knee injuries, Moyes has one recognised first-team centre-back in Johnny Heitinga, who returns from suspension this weekend.[LNB]The defence was already patched up against Tottenham with full-back Tony Hibbert standing in and when Yobo limped off Lucas Neill had to move inside, meaning 21-year-old Seamus Coleman came on for only his second Premier Leagueappearance.[LNB]For tomorrow's match at Stamford Bridge it is likely Neill will move back out to the right to allow Heitinga to slot in alongside Hibbert.[LNB] Member's only: Martinez joins the Fergie clan for Christmas dinner in ManchesterSpurs legend still playing at 52, the two Bryan Robsons, snooker and darts meet pop, EastEnders, and is that a cricketer or a murderer? Sportsmail's guide to sporting soundalikesRoberto's having a Ball! Wigan ready to throw free agent career lifelineEverton in for Beckham's pal Donovan but striker Saha eyes Goodison exitEVERTON FC

Source: Daily_Mail