Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini to miss QPR match

The midfielder Marouane Fellaini claims he could leave Everton in January (Getty Images)

Everton will be without Marouane Fellaini for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with QPR, but manager David Moyes is optimistic the midfielder will not be sidelined for too long.

Fellaini, who has been one of the most impressive players in the league this season, suffered a knee injury against Wigan two weeks ago and missed out on international duty with Belgium.

He could be fit for next weekend's Merseyside derby as could Tony Hibbert (calf), but Darron Gibson (thigh) is likely to be out for longer while short-term signing Thomas Hitzlsperger will not yet be considered.

Provisional squad: Howard, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Neville, Pienaar, Osman, Jelavic, Mucha, Gueye, Heitinga, Anichebe, Mirallas, Naismith, Oviedo, Coleman, Vellios.

PA