Liverpool, England (Sports Network) - United States and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks after it was discovered he has two broken bones in his back.
Howard sustained the injury in Everton's FA Cup win over Oldham on Feb. 26 and sat out last weekend's contest with Reading, bringing an end to a streak of 210 consecutive league appearances for the Toffees.
"We are not sure how long Tim will be out for because, obviously with a goalkeeper, he has to dive around and hit the ground," Everton manager David Moyes said. "If everything goes well, he misses next week's game, as well, and then because of the international break he might be close after the rest because that would be four weeks."
The 34-year-old Howard will now likely miss the next two World Cup qualifiers for the United States at the end of the month against Costa Rica and Mexico.
Howard was the starter for the U.S. at the 2010 World Cup and he has played in all seven qualifiers for the 2014 competition in Brazil.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan will likely take Howard's place between the posts for the Americans.
Guzan has earned 20 international caps during his career and has taken part in five qualifiers.
