• Midfielder sustained cruciate ligament injury against Wolves
• ‘Our worst fears have been confirmed,’ says physio

Everton’s Dan Gosling has been ruled out for up to nine months after picking up a serious knee injury on Saturday. The midfielder ruptured his cruciate knee ligament after a clash with the the Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann in the closing minutes of the 0-0 draw.

“Our worst fears have been confirmed,” said the club’s physio Mick Rathbone. “Dan has ruptured his cruciate ligament and will be unfortunately be out for up to nine months.”

The England Under-21 international has made 17 appearances for Everton this season, scoring three times, and was on against Wolves as an 83rd minute substitute.

“I’m really disappointed for Dan,” said David Moyes. “He’s been making great progress here at Everton and we look forward to having him back as soon as possible.”

EvertonPremier LeagueTom Bryantguardian.co.uk

• LA Galaxy recall striker for 27 March season opener
• Attacker pays tribute to reception from Everton fans

Everton have confirmed that Landon Donovan’s loan spell has ended and that the US forward will return to Los Angeles Galaxy.

As late as Saturday evening, after the 2-2 draw at Birmingham, manager David Moyes was holding out hope they could hang on to the United States international. “We are still trying to do something,” he said. “You never know, who knows?”

However, Everton today posted a lengthy farewell interview with Donovan on their website, during which they confirmed the loan deal had ended.

“Landon Donovan has returned to LA Galaxy following his 10-week loan,” it confirmed. “Despite attempts to extend Donovan’s loan period, LA Galaxy have now recalled him to their squad ahead of the start of the MLS season on March 27.

“It is still unclear if the American league will kick off on time as the threat of a players’ strike looms following disagreements over the labour contract currently in place.”

Donovan paid tribute to the club’s fans. “I’m 28 years old now and I’ve played over 100 times for my country, I’ve also played a lot of league games in different parts of the world. But I’ve never met a fan base like this, either playing for them or as an away player. Forget about football for a moment, this is a life experience I’ll never forget.”

EvertonPremier Leagueguardian.co.uk