Liverpool, England (My Sportsbook) - Everton striker James Vaughan has suffered yet another setback as he attempts to battle back from injury.

The 21-year-old has struggled with a succession of problems over the last two years and was sent out on loan to Derby County last month in an attempt to improve his fitness levels.

However, after starting the games against Crystal Palace and Bristol City, Vaughan requires another operation to repair a new problem.

Everton's head physiotherapist, Mick Rathbone, told the club's official website: "James suffered a slight tear in his cartilage whilst playing for Derby a couple of weeks ago.

"If there's anything positive at all about it, it's that this is a brand new injury - it's not a recurrence of anything he's had before.

"It's a very minor tear and James has been to London this week to have the cartilage trimmed. We hope that he won't be out of action for too long."

Vaughan has been able to start just ten games for Everton since making his debut for the club in April 2005 although he has made 39 appearances from the substitute's bench.

(Courtesy of sportbox.tv)