Injured Everton star Cahill a major doubt for Sunderland visit

Everton are sweating on Tim Cahill's fitness as they prepare for the run of games that will shape their season. The influential Australian was forced off after 70 minutes of the thrilling FA Cup win over Chelsea with an ankle problem. Crocked: Cahill (left) faces a race against time to be fit for the visit of Sunderland Cahill is Everton's leading scorer with nine goals but he is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday's crucial Barclays Premier League home date with Sunderland. David Moyes' side then face Reading at Goodison Park in the FA Cup fifth round three days later before they head up to Newcastle on March 5. In the thick of it: Neville is mobbed after scoring the winning penalty Louis Saha is likely to return this weekend but Everton's precariousposition in the table - they are three points off the relegation zone -means Moyes needs players of Cahill's quality available. There is, however, a renewed sense of optimism following the penaltyshootout victory at Stamford Bridge and skipper Phil Neville said:'it's breathed new life into the club.'The fans were beginning to lose faith and there was a lot ofnegativity. The financial reports came out and that added to thenegativity. Chelsea was probably make or break for us.' Chelsea 1 Everton 1 AET: Cole and Anelka bottle it in dramatic shoot-outEverton owe Moyes a victory after dismal display at Bolton, admits CahillBolton 2 Everton 0: Cahill sends a message and Sturridge on hot streakEverton FC news from across the web  Explore more:People: Tim Cahill, Phil Neville, David Moyes, Louis Saha Places: Newcastle

Source: Daily_Mail