Everton are anxiously awaiting news of a scan on Mikel Arteta's injured knee after the midfielder was stretchered off against Newcastle on Sunday.
The 26-year-old squirmed in pain after landing awkwardly in the early stages of the 0-0 draw at St James' Park.
He has returned to Liverpool to undergo a scan for suspected ligament damage.
"The early look at him wasn't good, but I'd rather wait to see," said Everton boss David Moyes, who also is worried over Victor Anichebe's fitness.
Kevin Nolan was sent off just before half time for an awful two-footed tackle on Anichebe.
"We certainly have a sore boy in Anichebe," Moyes.
The loss of Arteta would be a huge blow to Everton as they continue to chase a European spot.
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The Spaniard has been in inspirational form of late, scoring in the Toffees last two games prior to the goalless draw with Newcastle.
His absence was keenly felt once he left the field at St James' Park.
"We played for nearly an hour against 10 men and created hardly and chances," said Moyes.
"A draw's not a bad result, but I think in the circumstances we're disappointed not to take all three and bitterly disappointed because of the injury to Mikel."
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On the topic of Nolan's dismissal Moyes said: "It was a sending off, there's no doubt about that.
"I don't think Kevin Nolan's that type of player but it was a bad tackle and it was definitely a sending off.
Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton was pleased with his side's efforts in limiting Everton to so few chances and spoke of Nolan's regret at the tackle for which he saw red.
"For us I think to go down to 10 men at the time that we did, to come through the 90 minutes with Everton having limited good opportunities at our goal is testament to our lads," he said.
"Kevin has apologised to David (Moyes) and to the lad in their team (Anichebe).
"He's an honest professional. We accept it wasn't the best of challenges but my first impression was that it was poorly timed, not malicious."
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