Fellaini has been a key part of Everton's midfield so far this season

Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been ruled out of action for six weeks because of a hamstring problem.

The 22-year-old sustained the injury playing in Belgium's Euro 2012 qualifier against Austria in midweek.

It is another setback for Fellaini after he missed the final three months of last season with an ankle injury.

Defender Phil Jagielka could also miss Sunday's derby against Liverpool with a hamstring injury he sustained on international duty with England.

The pair join the likes of Steven Pienaar, Victor Anichebe, Louis Saha and Jack Rodwell on the sidelines at Everton.

606: DEBATE So thats Jags, Pienaar and Feliani out! I think Cahil is carrying a knock too. Stuartmk

"[Fellaini's injury] is a very big blow because he is an important player for us," admitted manager David Moyes.

"Phil is not as bad as we first thought but it may just come too quick for him - that is the way it is looking at this moment in time."

The new injuries come in the same week that youngster Ross Barkley, who has been on the bench for the last four games, broke a leg while playing for England Under-19s.

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