The Everton midfielder is back home in Australia recovering from an operation to end his persistent metatarsal problems.

Cahill recently underwent surgery in Australia, and is recovering well under the watchful eyes of the Socceroos' medical team.

Everton's head physio Mick Rathbone visited the midfielder recently and declared himself happy with the player's progress.

Rathbone said: "I went to Sydney last Monday and saw Tim and we had a meeting with the specialists. We had some new X-rays done and I met with the Australian medical team who are looking after him for a couple of weeks.

"The facilities are fantastic, and I was very impressed with the surgeon."

Cahill recently said that he was confident of being back for the new season, and Rathbone agrees.

He added: "Things seem to be going very well. We discussed the rehab and he gets another X-ray in three weeks, and we will re-evaluate from there."