Alex Nyarko is definitely out of Saturday's clash with West Ham United after the Ghanaian midfielder pulled up with a knee injury. The former Lens midfielder, who this week pledged his future to the club after reports suggesting otherwise, has been unable to train all week and will be forced to watch the game from the sidelines.

It's a blow for Blues Boss Walter Smith who also has to exclude the 27-year-old from his plans the following Saturday because of suspension.

Walter confirmed to the website: "We have Alex missing from the game, he injured his knee last week and that has kept him out of the match."

Nyarko's absence will force the Goodison Chief into making at least one change from the side that started at Manchester City last weekend, however there could be others.