Everton vs West Ham -- Gosling a long-term absentee

Posted Sunday, April 04, 2010 by PA

Everton are without Dan Gosling for Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash against West Ham after the midfielder was ruled out for up to nine months.

The England Under-21 international damaged a cruciate ligament in last week's goalless draw at Wolves.

Mikel Arteta (groin) is also unlikely to return while Joseph Yobo (back) and Victor Anichebe (rib) are hoping to shake off knocks.

Tim Howard (thigh) is fit enough to play but another player may again have to take goal-kicks.

Everton boss David Moyes admits one glance at West Ham's predicament makes him realise just how lucky a manager he is.

Moyes feels his Hammers counterpart Gianfranco Zola has faced an unenviable task in his first season in charge at Upton Park.

After steering the team through a period of financial instability, Zola now finds himself working for new owners he appears to be at odds with.

The Italian's position has also been the subject of intense scrutiny this week after his side suffered a sixth successive defeat last Saturday.

That result has left them in serious relegation danger in the Premier League and Moyes is relieved to be working on much firmer ground at Goodison Park.

"I have been really fortunate with the people I have had here," said Moyes.

"Sir Philip (Carter) and Bill (Kenwright) have been great and my chairman at Preston was as well.

"Maybe I have just been lucky but managers do need a lot of support.

"It is difficult at times and what they want is people to back them and help them and get through the hard times.

"It is especially hard if you come into it, like Gianfranco has and I did, as a young manager.

"What you need is people who really support and help you, don't get too low when things are going badly and don't get too high when they are going well.

"We have seen so many people come into clubs and masquerade as people who know what they're doing in the football world, but they don't.

"We are fortunate we have got Bill at Everton - but he has admitted it would be nice if we could get a few bob more in our pocket."

Zola could have Jack Collison and James Tomkins back from injury.

Collison (knee) and Tomkins (ankle) have been out since February but both could return, along with Herita Ilunga who is trying to overcome a knee injury.

Kieron Dyer is a doubt after he came off at half-time against Stoke last week while Guillermo Franco is unavailable as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

Zola believes his side can improve their chances of Premier League survival by springing a surprise against Everton.

The Hammers have lost six games on the bounce and Zola was forced to consider his future following last week's defeat against Stoke, while he has also had to deal with criticism from co-owner David Sullivan, who in a letter to supporters branded the team's performance in their 3-1 loss against Wolves as "shambolic".

They will face an Everton side who are unbeaten in five matches and chasing a place in next year's Europa League.

"It is going to be a tight game, especially at the beginning,"said the 43-year-old.

"Obviously we will be trying to defend well because they are in good form. I see us playing a good game.

"We have prepared very well so I'm positive about that. I'm expecting we will defend well and be effective on the counter-attack, and we can nick one or two goals on the break."

Zola returned to training on Wednesday after deciding to return to his native Sardinia following last Saturday's damaging defeat against the Potters.

Zola was criticised by some observers for giving himself and his players three days off with the club in such a precarious position, but Zola insists the move is showing signs of paying off.

"The mood is now very good in the camp, trust me," said the former Chelsea striker.

"I have no regrets about sending them home for three days at all. I am the manager and I know what's best for my players.

"Their application in training has always been good to be honest and has been even better this week."