Everton midfielder Tim Cahill will be out of action for a minimum of six weeks but could be out for as long as two or three months.

Results of a scan today, taken after Cahill was carried off during Saturday's defeat to Aston Villa after an accidental clash with team-mate Lee Carsley, have produced grim findings for manager David Moyes.

Everton yet to confirm the full extent of Cahill's injury.  He is not thought to have a cruciate knee problem but could have damage medial ligaments.

Such is Cahill's importance to Everton, this length of time out of action could have a serious effect on their attempts to get back into Europe.

Moyes already has a growing problem of seeing his side win just one of their last eight league games, and now any recovery will have to be mounted without Cahill.