Liverpool, England (Sports Network) - United States and Everton goalkeeper Tim
Howard is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks after it was discovered he has
two broken bones in his back.
Howard sustained the injury in Everton's FA Cup win over Oldham on Feb. 26 and
sat out last weekend's contest with Reading, bringing an end to a streak of
210 consecutive league appearances for the Toffees.
"We are not sure how long Tim will be out for because, obviously with a
goalkeeper, he has to dive around and hit the ground," Everton manager David
Moyes said. "If everything goes well, he misses next week's game, as well, and
then because of the international break he might be close after the rest
because that would be four weeks."
The 34-year-old Howard will now likely miss the next two World Cup qualifiers
for the United States at the end of the month against Costa Rica and Mexico.
Howard was the starter for the U.S. at the 2010 World Cup and he has played in
all seven qualifiers for the 2014 competition in Brazil.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan will likely take Howard's place between the
posts for the Americans.
Guzan has earned 20 international caps during his career and has taken part in
five qualifiers.
The Sports Network