By Rhys Lewis
December 9 2005

Just 2 days before a difficult trip to Old Trafford, David Moyes has been dealt a huge blow after Andy van der Meyde broke down in training yesterday and will be out for a month with a thigh injury. The injury will keep van der Meyde out for the whole of the christmas period including the Merseyside derby on December 28th.

The injury comes at a time when Moyes is without the suspended Tim Cahill and Mikel Arteta. It will be especially annoying because Everton had finally found some form after a disastrous start to the season. This form coincided with the return to fitness of the likes of van der Meyde and Moyes will now have to pick from a thread bare squad once again.

The only good news is that Nuno Valente seems to have recovered fully from his hamstring injury and will allow Phil Neville to return to his favoured midfield role. Also Matteo Ferrari has returned to training and should be available selection in the near future.