Everton have suffered an injury blow with the news that influential midfielder Tim Cahill will miss the start of the new Premiership season.

Cahill picked up a foot injury in Tuesday’s friedly against Werder Bremen and there were initial fears that the Australian international could be out for three months, which has been denied.

He originally injured his foot in March against Sheffield United, which ruled him out for Everton’s remaining games.

“It is premature to suggest three months out, that is wide of the mark,” head physio Mick Rathbone told the club’s official website.

“He has damage to the same area of the foot as last time, but it is minuscule in comparison to the previous injury.”