Pienaar, effectively Everton's only signing of the summer when he turned a loan into a permanent move from Borussia Dortmund in May, broke a toe in last weekend's home friendly with PSV Eindhoven.

With Everton severely hit by injuries and a reduced squad size, Pienaar's absence until the end of September will test manager David Moyes' team selection to the limit.

And England defender Lescott said: "Losing Steven is a massive blow. He has been one of our most influential players, during last season and especially this pre-season.

"It's a big disappointment not to have him. He was a massive part of our success last season and he has come back for pre-season looking just as sharp, if not sharper."

Moyes has been desperately trying to boost his squad numbers this week ahead of Saturday's home opener against Blackburn.

But targets Wagner Love, Alan Smith and Stephane M'Bia are all still long shots.

Love will not be released by CSKA Moscow on loan, Kevin Keegan is trying to keep Smith at Newcastle while M'Bia is at the Olympics with Cameroon.

Everton will miss injured trio Tony Hibbert, Tim Cahill and Andy van der Meyde on Saturday, while James Vaughan could be suspended by then following his red card on the club's US tour.

Victor Anichebe could be out of the Olympics with Nigeria today but even if that happens he is unlikely to be rushed back from China to play at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Moyes' problems have mounted during a summer which has seen Lee Carsley, Andrew Johnson, Thomas Gravesen, Manuel Fernandes and Stefan Wessels all leave the club, and yet to be replaced.

All that means youngsters Jose Baxter, Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling will be in the squad on Saturday.