Everton have suffered a blow ahead of Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough with the news that striker Victor Anichebe has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The youngster has not played since being pole-axed by Newcastle's Kevin Nolan during the match at St James' Park on 22 February.

Anichebe (below) sought specialist advice in London on Wednesday. But a scan on the damaged cartilage in his right knee proved inconclusive, so he will now undergo surgery.

"He's damaged his cartilage and is out for the season," said manager David Moyes.

"It's a blow for the boy, because he'd just got back into the team and it's another player we have lost."

Anichebe's fellow striker Ayegbeni Yakubu and key midfielder Mikel Arteta are also out for the rest of the campaign.

Boro may be glad of a break from their League campaign after a dispiriting 4-0 defeat at Tottenham which has left them deep in trouble.

Boss Gareth Southgate said: "We went to Spurs in good spirits but the defeat was a blow. We've had plenty of them this season and it's important how we respond.

"We will have to go back to basics again. We need to restore pride, because we lost that at Spurs."