Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard ruled out for 6 weeks with broken bones

Everton will be without Tim Howard for the most crucial part of the season after David Moyes revealed his influential goalkeeper has broken two bones in his back.

Howard sustained the injury when Oldham striker Robbie Simpson clattered into him during the latter stages of the FA Cup fifth round replay 12 days ago. Simpson was booked and Everton manager Moyes was deeply unhappy with the nature of the high challenge.

Aside from sitting out the quarter-final against Wigan, Howard will be absent for next Saturday's home clash with Manchester City and it is doubtful he will be ready for the game against Stoke at Goodison on March 30.

The worst case scenario would be an absence of more than six weeks, as that would preclude Howard's involvement in a trip to Arsenal and, potentially, the FA Cup semi-final.

Jan Mucha, the Slovakian who has only made eight appearances in nearly three years at the club, will take over from Howard between the posts, with 19-year-old novice Mason Springthorpe being promoted to the bench.

Moyes said: 'Tim is out. He has broken two bones in his back. We don't think he will be out for the season. It is similar to the one (Newcastle defender Fabricio) Coloccini (suffered). We are not sure how long he will be out as with a goalkeeper he has to dive around and hit the ground.

'He did incredibly well to finish the Oldham game. I thought (Simpson) took him out when the goalkeeper jumped for the ball. He went under him. When Tim fell he tippled over him like a tree. I have let him go away for a few days. We can't get an emergency loan in for the FA Cup.'

Moyes added: 'Tim has two fractures, but they are not the bones which are supporting anything, it is off the spine. They are not weight bearing. It just needs a bit of healing time. It is not like a pure fracture where need to wait to look at it. It is a question of whether he can cope with the pain.'

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