He told evertonTV: "There's another x-ray coming up and it's in the hands of the staff here at the club.

"As soon as I had the problem in the Werder Bremen game I was looking at when I could get back.

"The first goal was the Uefa Cup games, and then it was the derby.

"It is a brilliant game to play in and I have enjoyed some good times."

But whatever happens over the next few weeks, Cahill won't be taking any chances over his return.

"As you get older and play more I have to look after my body," he added.