Everton's Gibson ruled out for a month

LONDON (AFP) –

Ireland’s Darron Gibson plays on June 4, 2012 during a friendly match against Hungary at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest. Gibson has been ruled out for a month after suffering a thigh strain.

Everton midfielder Darron Gibson has been ruled out for a month after suffering a thigh strain.

Gibson missed Everton’s 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday as a result of the problem and Toffees manager David Moyes confirmed on Monday that the Republic of Ireland international won’t be back in action until February.

The 25-year-old spent more than two months on the sidelines earlier in the season with a similar problem and missed 10 Premier League games.

“I think he’s going to be out for about four weeks,” Moyes said.

Gibson’s absence is a significant blow to Everton, who are challenging for a top four finish, as Moyes is already without Kevin Mirallas, Tony Hibbert and Seamus Coleman due to injuries.