The Australian was involved in a tackle with City's Vincent Kompany, where Cahill appeared to be stood on - intentionally or not - but was actually yellow carded before being forced off.

Everton boss David Moyes said the injury didn't appear too serious although he couldn't confirm anything.

"I don't think it's too bad, it just looks like bruising but people who've been in the game will tell you they're the ones where it doesn't take much to crack your shin when that happens," Moyes told BBC Sport.

The Everton manager, however, criticised Kompany for his challenge which he believed was intentional.

"I thought the boy does him. The boy definitely sees his shin, goes in and stands on it," he said.

"People who've been players know what I'm talking about. He sees his leg and I think he does it."

He added: "Tim Cahill has got a bruised shin but it was a terrible tackle. His foot has gone right on his shin and I'm disappointed it wasn't spotted."

Everton assistant manager Steve Round added: “Tim was fighting for the ball and the ball broke down the line.

“He slid in for it and we think he got a straight leg stamp on the shin. Obviously the FA and referees will look at that in due course and only he (Kompany) will know if he meant it.”