Cahill Season Could Be Over

Everton fear their influential midfielder Tim Cahill could miss the rest of the season with a recurrence of a metatarsal injury after the Australian international limped out of Saturday's draw against West Ham United.

Cahill, who aggravated a metatarsal fracture last summer and missed the opening three months of the season, pulled up early in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Everton's medical department were still examining the extent of the problem yesterday but, if their worst fears are realized, Cahill, who has scored 10 goals this season despite his injury problems, faces another extended spell on the sidelines.

Arsenal's striker Eduardo is to visit his native Brazil to receive treatment on the fractured fibula and dislocated ankle he sustained in the match against Birmingham City last month.

Eduardo, born in Rio de Janiero but capped 22 times by Croatia, will step up his recuperation in South America and his national manager, Slaven Bilic, is hopeful the striker, along with the retired Dado Prso, will join the squad when they contest the European Championship. "In a couple of weeks he will go to Brazil," said Bilic, who also affirmed that he expects to remain in his current job beyond the summer, "not just because it is his home but because they have one of the best rehabilitation centers in the world. It is the other players' wish, and his wish, that he will join us [for Euro 2008], along with Dado."

Bilic, in Glasgow for tomorrow's friendly with Scotland, described Eduardo's absence from Euro 2008 as "the biggest blow ever", adding: "Arsenal miss him; they are on their worst run in nine years since his injury. He is recovering well; I speak to him every couple of days."

George Burley's first game as Scotland manager has been overshadowed by seven withdrawals from his squad. Four Rangers players - Barry Ferguson, Lee McCulloch, Allan McGregor and Christian Dailly - and Stephen Pearson, Barry Robson and James McFadden have pulled out and Darren Fletcher is struggling with a virus. Cardiff's Gavin Rae has been called up.