Everton expect Yak boost

Yakubu: Winning fitness battle

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Everton hope striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni will be fit to face former club Middlesbrough this weekend.

Yakubu was rested for last Saturday's 3-1 win at West Ham due to a heel injury as Victor Anichebe partnered Louis Saha in attack.

The Nigerian has been bothered by the complaint in recent weeks, but he is making progress in his bid to start against Boro at Goodison Park.

Head physio Mick Rathbone told the club's official website: "Yak has had a badly bruised heel for three or four weeks and we've sort of kept it going, but we knew eventually he would have to miss a game.

"He's been doing some light training today and having missed the game against West Ham he feels a lot better now. He has a 50/50 chance of playing."

Pienaar concern

Steven Pienaar missed the West Ham win with a knee injury and the South African is unlikely to recover in time for Sunday's visit of Boro.

Rathbone added: "Pienaar had a knock on the side of his knee in the last game (against Fulham) and wasn't even close to playing against West Ham, but having said that he was running okay today and we'll have to see what he's like for Sunday."

The Everton physio also believes Tim Cahill is no longer suffering from the injury he picked up on international duty with Australia last month.

He continued: "Tim has come through recent games fine. He had a bruised heel which he picked up in Sydney, but he's looked after it well and he seemed fine after the game so hopefully that one has burned out now.

"At this moment in time, following the game with West Ham, it's looking good."