The Toffees this week had influential midfielder Mikel Arteta ruled out until at least the start of next season with a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Arteta was carried off early in the goalless draw at Newcastle last Sunday, a match which also saw Victor Anichebe and Jack Rodwell sustain injuries.

At best Anichebe is likely to be out for three weeks with knee ligament damage - although he will have further assessment in the coming days as to whether he requires an operation which would also bring his season to an early conclusion.

Added to that Louis Saha is struggling with a groin problem having made his first appearance at Newcastle in three months after hamstring trouble.

Ayegbeni Yakubu has previously been ruled out of the rest of the campaign with an Achilles problem while James Vaughan is still working his way back to fitness after a knee operation.

The loss of Arteta, however, will be felt most keenly.

"Yakubu and Vaughan went out and we have gone on and not made any excuses. We will do the same for Mikel," said Moyes.

"We know he is very influential for us but we will try not to talk too much about the injured players.

"I think our football is at the same level as last season and I expect the players to play at that level.

"Just because we have lost Yakubu or Mikel doesn't give them the excuse not to reach the standards we set them.

"It is business as usual and it is an important three points we want to take against West Brom tomorrow."

Moyes does not think his side have been unluckier than anyone else in terms of injury and he has called on the squad players to seize the chance to impress at first-team level.

"I think one of our biggest problems was we started the season with a lot of people out of the team and then we got into a period where we lost Yakubu and Vaughan," he added.

"In this period we have lost one or two but it happens at all football clubs.

"That is the way it is in life and any job; people move aside and you take the opportunity.

"If you can take the opportunity you can get yourself in the team and that is what we will be looking for in the coming months."

Despite the injuries Moyes remains optimistic of being able to exert pressure on fifth-placed Arsenal, just four points above the Toffees.

Tomorrow's early kick-off represents an ideal opportunity for Everton to put pressure on Arsene Wenger's side.

"We are in a good position but it is only February and nothing is won and lost," said Moyes.

"We will keep hanging in there and try to achieve a top-four place if we can.

"I hope we can put pressure on the teams above us but West Brom are a good footballing team and there will be periods where we have to be patient."

Everton have won just once in five Barclays Premier League but the visit of the bottom side gives them a chance to end that run.

Moyes, who is an admirer of Baggies boss Tony Mowbray, is taking nothing for granted.

"It would be nice to get the game won but you have to earn it and there will be a lot to do against West Brom," he said.

"His teams play really good football and I like his style and what he stands for - it worked for him coming out of the Championship and maybe if they stay up this year they will be much stronger going into next season."