Coleman blow bitter pill to swallow for Moyes

In the season previews I have read about Everton, most of them have stressed the importance of keeping their small squad fit and being lucky with injuries if they are to succeed.

So to have one of their brightest young prospects and key attacking threats, Seamus Coleman, crocked before the season began, is an ominous sign for the Toffees.

Coleman was injured following a heavy and needless challenge by Villarreal's Carlos Marchena in the first live football of the season at Goodison last Friday.

It was poor tackle for a competitive game let alone a match designed purely to get players fit. It threatened to turn the game sour, with Everton players looking for revenge and the supporters booing Marchena's every touch.

The night had already gone wrong for Coleman though, and although an x-ray revealed no break a scan a few days later showed ligament damage, meaning a two month lay-off is likely.

With options thin on the ground Moyes will have to try and juggle his resources – Leon Osman can play out wide, as can Mikel Arteta. But for a side that only used 20 players across the whole of last season even one injury can result in a serious squad re-shuffle.

They remain the only side in the country not to have added to their squad so far and although funds are tight, you would think Moyes would approach the situation with a bit more urgency given there are only a few weeks left of the transfer window.

The likes of Joseph Yobo and Yakubu need to be sold off in quick time to free up funds, even if they go for less than what the club want for them. I think the cost of inactivity while haggling for a transfer fee is doing more harm than good.

If Moyes can bring one or two players in (that is only what is needed) then the squad would be capable of challenging for a top six spot and are a handy shout in the FA Cup betting.

If they don't however, and Coleman's injury signals a torrent of further lay-offs, then things could go down hill quickly for Everton.