Everton blow as Rodwell ruled out

Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell has been ruled out for up to three months with an ankle injury.

Manager David Moyes confirmed the news at a press conference this morning.

Rodwell was injured in a challenge with Aston Villa defender Stephen Warnock in Everton's last Barclays Premier League outing a fortnight ago.

The 19-year-old was withdrawn from England's recent Under-21 squad while Everton waited to learn the extent of the problem.

The news is a blow for the highly-rated Rodwell, who had been hoping to push for a regular starting place.

He began the season on the bench but started at Villa after impressing in a Carling Cup win over Huddersfield.

"I thought when he went over it was a twisted ankle and he'd maybe be out for a week, if at all," said Moyes.

"But he got scanned and we knew there was a problem.

"They think it doesn't need surgery but unfortunately he is going to be out for two to three months.

"We were worried it was going to be a similar injury to Marouane Fellaini's but, thank goodness, it wasn't that bad."