Everton boss Dave Moyes admits big concerns over his attacking department.

Ayegbeni Yakubu is out for the season with an Achilles problem while James Vaughan has just had knee surgery which is expected to see him sidelined for around four months.

Moyes' misery is further compounded by Louis Saha and Victor Anichebe who are both struggling with respective hamstring and back problems, meaning Everton are likely to face Middlesbrough on Boxing Day and Sunderland 48 hours later without a natural frontman.

Moyes said: "The striker situation is a big worry for us, we still have real doubts about whether Victor or Louis will be available for any of the Christmas games.

"Obviously we are asking a lot of people to do extra jobs and play out of position but they have done that very well.

"They know the circumstances and in a way it makes you stronger because they are working ever so hard for each other.

"Sometimes when needs must then you have to stick together but we are also aware that we can't afford many more injuries or then we really will be short."