Naysmith moved to Everton from Hearts in October 2000

The Scotland international's left knee was damaged in a challenge with Obafemi Martins during the Toffees' 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Sunday.

Naysmith, 27, looks set to be out of action until late November and will miss Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine.

He will also miss up to nine of Everton's Premiership games.

Everton physio Mick Rathbone told his club's official website: "Gary's scan has confirmed our clinical diagnosis that he has sustained a significant strain of his medial ligament.

"He is expected to be out for a minimum of six weeks."

But Everton's Scotland striker, James McFadden, is closer to full fitness.

McFadden injured his hamstring on international duty last month but is nearing a return to full training.

"He is doing very well," Rathbone added. "He is running very fast and he is keen to get back into the squad for the game against Man City and then go away with Scotland for their big games.

"But we will see how things go through the rest of this week."