Osman blow hits Toffees for six

05 November 2010 11:05
Everton midfielder Leon Osman faces a further six weeks on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his injured ankle.[LNB] Osman has been out since limping off at half-time during the Merseyside derby victory over Liverpool on October 17.[LNB]It was initially thought the 29-year-old could be back in action within six weeks of that date but an operation has since become necessary.[LNB]Manager David Moyes said: "He had an operation on Monday morning to take away a piece of floating bone from his ankle.[LNB]"We expected him to be out for four to six weeks, but we think he probably be out for another six weeks now.[LNB]"He seems fine. Hopefully this will help his ankle."[LNB]Moyes appears to have all but ruled out a return for Jack Rodwell in Saturday's Premier League clash at Blackpool.[LNB]The 19-year-old midfielder has made a quicker than expected recovery from an ankle injury and was an unused substitute against Stoke last week.[LNB]He followed that up with an appearance for the reserves against Blackpool in midweek but he is unlikely to get further than the bench at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.[LNB]Moyes said: "I think he is close but I don't think he is quite ready yet.[LNB]"We may continue to include him on the bench but I don't think he is quite fully confident in his ankle yet.[LNB]"He played 50 minutes in the reserves and more than likely he will be included again tomorrow.[LNB]"But do I think he is ready to start? No, I don't.[LNB]"He is back ahead of schedule but it is likely to be another couple of weeks."

Source: Team_Talk