Everton manager David Moyes hopes to avoid any further injury blows between now and the end of the season after learning Tim Cahill will play no part in the club's run-in.
The Australia midfielder has been ruled out of the Toffees' remaining seven matches with a broken foot.
It is a cruel blow for Everton as they head into Sunday's 207th Merseyside derby knowing victory at Anfield would put them in fourth place, and in pole position to claim the fourth Champions League spot.
Everton have not won on their neighbours' ground since 1999 and the loss of 10-goal Cahill has done nothing to improve the chances of that run ending.
Moyes was understandably frustrated at losing one of his key men ahead of such a crucial fixture.
"He has a broken foot and I wouldn't expect him to play again this season," said Moyes.
"It is disappointing but it happens. I think we can cope."
On the positive side, striker Andrew Johnson has recovered from the groin injury which kept him out of last weekend's 1-1 draw with West Ham, while defender Joseph Yobo has shaken off an ankle problem and Steven Pienaar is well again after an illness.
The midweek international fixtures have also been kind to Moyes, who is yet to register a win at Anfield.
"It has not been too bad this week. We've had Tim Howard, Manuel Fernandes, Victor Anichebe and Joleon Lescott away, so it has not been too disruptive for us," said the Everton boss.
"We have been able to take it on and prepare and work as well as we can."
Everton have won only two of the last 16 derbies and Kevin Campbell was the last match-winner at Anfield in September 1999 when he scored the only goal of the game.
They have a much smaller squad than their opponents across Stanley Park and there is a danger injuries and fatigue will derail their bid to repeat what they did in 2005 and pip Liverpool to the final Champions League place.
However, midfielder Leon Osman has urged his team-mates to maintain their challenge.
"Maybe it takes a little bit longer now to recharge the batteries but it could be a blessing that we have now got full weeks to prepare for weekend games," he said.
"We will stick together as a team, as we always do, and I'm sure we will come out the other end fine.
"We don't want to be disappointed at the end of the season. We have got to keep pushing and pushing for the last seven games and make sure we get something for our hard work."
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