Hibbert may miss season start

Defender 'touch and go' for opener against Blackburn

Last updated: 7th July 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hibbert may miss season start

Hibbert: Had surgery

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Everton defender Tony Hibbert may miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery to remedy a knee problem.

The 27-year-old failed to recover fully after suffering ruptured ligaments against Arsenal on 4th May.

The Toffees had hoped putting the knee in a brace would solve the problem but he remained uncomfortable when running.

Everton hope he will be available for the league opener against Blackburn on 16th August, but admit it is 'touch and go'.

Avoided

Club physio Mick Rathbone told Everton TV: "We put it in a brace for six weeks, because surgery is to be avoided at all costs.

"We have got him running flat out in a straight line, but any side-to-side stuff and he just doesn't feel right.

"Hopefully he will be there or thereabouts for the start of the season. It's touch and go."