Everton boss David Moyes does not expect midfielder Tim Cahill to be fit for the start of the new Premier League season.
The Australian is continuing his recovery from a broken metatarsal and joins promising young striker James Vaughan as a long-term absentee.
Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta has provided better news for manager David Moyes, however, after resuming full training after stomach surgery.
Moyes told www.evertonfc.com: "Mikel is training with us again and that is a boost.
"We are pleased with the progress that he has made and there is an outside chance that he will be involved when we play Cambridge (on Saturday).
"James Vaughan is coming on all the time but it is a slow process with him. It is the same for Tim Cahill and I am not expecting him to be fit for the start of the season.
"He is going over to Australia to see the specialist for a last check but it is so far, so good."
The Scot added: "We've got a few injuries to deal with. Leighton Baines (ankle) and Tony Hibbert (knee) are in the crew that have had operations, too, don't forget. Bainesy is ahead of schedule but we also know that we have got to be careful with them."
Meanwhile, Benfica will unveil Pablo Aimar later on Thursday after wrapping up a deal to sign the Argentinian playmaker from Real Zaragoza.
Aimar announced at the end of the season that he wanted to leave Zaragoza following their relegation, and his availability attracted several clubs, including Everton and Newcastle.
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The Australian is continuing his recovery from a broken metatarsal and joins promising young striker James Vaughan as a long-term absentee.
Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta has provided better news for manager David Moyes, however, after resuming full training after stomach surgery.
Moyes told www.evertonfc.com: "Mikel is training with us again and that is a boost.
"We are pleased with the progress that he has made and there is an outside chance that he will be involved when we play Cambridge (on Saturday).
"James Vaughan is coming on all the time but it is a slow process with him. It is the same for Tim Cahill and I am not expecting him to be fit for the start of the season.
"He is going over to Australia to see the specialist for a last check but it is so far, so good."
The Scot added: "We've got a few injuries to deal with. Leighton Baines (ankle) and Tony Hibbert (knee) are in the crew that have had operations, too, don't forget. Bainesy is ahead of schedule but we also know that we have got to be careful with them."
Meanwhile, Benfica will unveil Pablo Aimar later on Thursday after wrapping up a deal to sign the Argentinian playmaker from Real Zaragoza.
Aimar announced at the end of the season that he wanted to leave Zaragoza following their relegation, and his availability attracted several clubs, including Everton and Newcastle.
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Have your say on the latest news and sport in our Forums
