DAVID MOYES will have to wait to find out the extent of Sylvain Distin’s injury – as Everton FC’s problems at centre-half near breaking point.

Defeat at Tottenham Hotspur last night was compounded with Distin’s hamstring injury which forced him off early in the second half and now leaves Everton FC down to the bare bones in his position as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.

Distin, 34, is expected to undergo tests at Finch Farm today to offer Moyes a proper diagnosis of the Frenchman’s situation but given the nature of the injury, it looks unlikely the former Manchester City defender be fit for the weekend’s game in the West Midlands which would leave the side with just one senior centre-half – John Heitinga.

Shane Duffy, the 20-year-old recalled early from his loan spell with Scunthorpe United last week, filled the void admirably for the final thirty minutes at White Hart Lane last night but the Irishman is not seen as the solution whilst Distin and Phil Jagielka – sidelined for up to six weeks – are out.

When asked about the nature and severity of Distin’s injury, Moyes said: “It’s his hamstring but I’m not too sure.”

On an exasperating night in the capital, Everton’s appeal for a late penalty, when Royston Drenthe was clumsily bundled over in the area by Younes Kaboul, were ignored by referee Martin Atkinson.