Vaughan's blossoming career was on Monday brought to an abrupt halt at Bolton when he suffered the injury.

It was initially feared his season was over but he has been given some hope of recovery in time to help Everton's race for Europe.

However, manager David Moyes is still cautious about Vaughan's chances of playing again this term.

"His injury is not as bad as first thought, but James is not able to move his foot," Moyes said.

"We have had him re-scanned and we will have him scanned again on Monday but, with the amount of swelling on his ankle, it is hard to make judgements.

"The season is running out and he may be back in three weeks. But if it went any longer than that he could miss out on everything."

Vaughan's problem, and a muscle injury for youngster Victor Anichebe, has come at a bad time for Moyes, who is being hit by injury worries at just the wrong moment as Everton gear up for the final weeks of their quest to claim a UEFA Cup spot.

Tim Cahill is out for the season, Manuel Fernandes and Alessandro Pistone are both unlikely to play for a while, and Andy van der Meyde is considered short of match fitness.

So Vaughan has made it clear he wants to be back in action long before the month he was warned he would have to miss.

Having netted twice in his four starts over the last month, the striker is determined to return to action in time to help in the push for Europe.

Vaughan said: "The physio has told me three to four weeks out but I want to be back before that. It is just the way I am and I just hope I can be back soon.

"The fans have always been good and I appreciate their support, and I want to be back for them. I was enjoying playing so hopefully I can get back in the next couple of weeks and get back into the team again."

Vaughan will miss the Charlton match, with the trip to West Ham six days later also expected to be too soon for the forward.

But the final run-in against Manchester United, Portsmouth and Chelsea is in his sights.

As for the incident that led to his spell on the sidelines, Vaughan admits the blood loss took him by surprise.

He added: "I can just remember going for a ball in the air. I went to volley it and didn't think there was anyone around me, but the next thing I knew I was rolling around on the floor in pain.

"There was blood everywhere. I was in shock at first because you don't expect to see blood like that."

Everton are aiming for a third successive home win to maintain their position in the pack chasing a European spot, with James Beattie or James McFadden competing for a striking role alongside Andrew Johnson.