Pienaar will be out for the fourth match in a row when David Moyes' side face Benfica in the Europa League. He was resting at home when the party flew out to Lisbon to prepare for the Group I match.

The South African star said: "I didn't expect it to be this sore. It just takes time though as it needs to heal on its own.

"A few of the fibres split in my ligament so I have to rest and do my exercises. But at the moment I am struggling with running.

"I spent the summer at the Confederations Cup and when I returned to Everton I wanted to work hard, stay fit and not pick up any injuries.

"Unfortunately though sometimes injuries happen in football and now I have to climb the ladder again to regain my fitness. I know I will then have to fight for my place back in the team."