By Rhys Lewis
December 20 2005

The Dutch International winger Andy van der Meyde has been all but ruled out of the vital games over the Christmas period. This means van der Meyde will miss out on his first taste of a Merseyside derby on December 28th as well as trips to Aston Villa and Charlton. Originally van der Meyde was supposed to be out for a month but hopes were raised that he would be back the derby as he appeared to be reacting well to treatment. This news will come as a huge blow for Moyes as Evertons best form of the season came at a time when van der Meyde was fit and playing in the side. Since he returned to the injury list Everton's form has gone dramatically backwards.

Moyes said, 'He's running but at the minute he can still feel the injury. We think it might be a bit longer than we first thought. It looks like it is a thigh strain right up at the top of his leg.'

'I don't think Andy will be fit, think he's got a serious injury and I think that it's going to keep him out a few weeks longer.'

Van der Meyde has spent most of his time at Everton on the treatment table and Moyes will be hoping that once fit he can stay fit and help Everton find form once again, as he did a couple of months ago.