The Everton midfielder has been recovering from a broken metatarsal, suffered at Sheffield United in March.

And in his first game back for the Toffees last night against Werder Bremen he was taken off after 61 minutes after falling awkwardly - the worry being that he had damaged the same foot again.

Cahill had an X-ray earlier today before Everton announced on their website, www.evertonfc.com, that he was being referred to a specialist. The club are unlikely to make any further comment tonight.

If Cahill has suffered a recurrence of the injury, it could put him out for a couple of months, at least - a savage blow to the Australian and the Merseysiders.

Everton's assistant manager Alan Irvine was considered with his view on Cahill after the 2-2 draw with the Germans.

He said: "He felt his foot again which obviously is a bit of a worry. He landed on it awkwardly which probably frightened him a little."

Everton have been concerned over Cahill's recovery, particularly because of the pressures put on him to play for Australia in the Asia Cup this summer.

Cahill was included in the Australia squad after Everton's medical experts flew out to examine their player.

But the 28-year-old was frequently used only as a substitute in the tournament and did not play a full part in the event.

He returned to Everton last week to start training again, and did not travel out to the USA for a training camp in Los Angeles with the club again showing concerns about his fitness.

Everton boss David Moyes will be praying for better news from the specialists than is feared.

The Scot is currently trying to make progress in a deal to sign Wigan defender Leighton Baines, while hoping his transfer kitty will be boosted if striker James Beattie agrees to join Sheffield United for $10million.

Everton have had one bid of £4million plus a player turned down for Baines, and are now on the brink of making a straight cash offer closer to the £6million mark.

The England Under-21 full-back watched the Bremen game from the Everton directors' box last night.

Although Everton's second bid for Baines is not totally dependant on cash from a Beattie deal, that extra finance would certainly help.

Blades boss Bryan Robson confirmed today that he had discussed the deal with Beattie and the player's lawyer - but it is believed that financial terms have not yet been finalised.

Beattie had been a target for Blackburn, while Birmingham retain an interest - although their boss Steve Bruce is unlikely to make a move just yet as he assesses the pre-season form of fit-again Mikael Forssell.

Beattie is believed to want to stay in the Premier League, and could need some persuading still to commit to the Yorkshire club - but his options are running out.

Robson said: "I have spoken with James and his solicitor. I am not going to go into the exact details (of salary) but yes, we've talked.

"With the chairman Kevin McCabe away in Australia at the moment, we've had to take one or two things slowly. But I expect to know by the end of the week."