Everton lose Mirallas, Gibson to injury

Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed that injured duo Kevin Mirallas and Darron Gibson will miss the trip to Reading on Saturday.

Belgium international Mirallas suffered a hamstring strain in last week’s 2-1 win over Sunderland, while Irish international Gibson has been out since September with a thigh problem.

“Kevin is out injured, but we don’t think it’s too bad at the moment. Darron is still injured,” Moyes said ahead of the visit to the Madejski Stadium.

Striker Victor Anichebe and right-back Tony Hibbert will undergo fitness tests on Friday but are doubtful, having missed last week’s victory over the Black Cats, with Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith possible replacements.

Everton are currently fourth in the Premier League, while the Royals are yet to win a top-flight match so far this season.

Meanwhile, Moyes admitted the club do not have the funds to bolster the squad during the upcoming January transfer window.

Moyes was able to recruit Gibson and forward Nikica Jelavic last January, with the latter in particular making a significant impact on the remainder of the club’s season.

But despite their impressive form, the Scottish manager does not see the Merseyside club delving in the market in the next window as they simply do not have the required ‘resources’.

“I don’t think we’ll strengthen in January,” Moyes said.

“I don’t think we’ll be looking to do any business – not because we wouldn’t want to but I just don’t think we will have the resources to properly do it in January.”

Over the course of 2012, Everton have recruited the likes of Steven Naismith, Mirallas, Steven Pienaar, Brian Oviedo, Gibson and Jelavic.

The club finished seventh last season, higher than their rivals Liverpool for the first time since 2005, while also reaching the FA Cup semi-final.