Everton Football Club News

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• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

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Pienaar set for short absence

10 Feb 2009 - 11:36:46

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Everton have revealed that South Africa international Steven Pienaar is likely to be sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

The South Africa international has been forced to withdraw from his country's friendly international against Chile on Wednesday.

Pienaar was already ineligible for Sunday's FA Cup fifth round clash with Aston Villa after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in last week's replay victory against Liverpool.

However, he is now also likely to miss the trip to Newcastle United later this month.

Meanwhile, physio Mick Rathbone remains hopeful that Marouane Fellaini will be available for the Villa game even though the Belgium international is currently struggling with a back problem.

He has also revealed that long-term absentee Louis Saha is stepping up his recovery from a hamstring problem.

"Saha is doing well and is close to returning to full training and is looking to join this week," said Rathbone.

"Fellaini has a bruised back but we are pushing him to be fit for the weekend. We anticipate that Pienaar will be out for a couple of weeks.

"The lads seemed to come through Saturday's game (against Bolton) OK, and now several of them have gone on to join their international teams."