Toffees trio close to return

Everton set to welcome back Osman, Pienaar and Hibbert

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th September 2008

Toffees trio close to return

Osman: On course for Euro return

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Leon Osman, Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar are making good progress in their rehabilitation from injury.

With Everton set to get their Uefa Cup campaign under way against Standard Liege on Thursday, and the gruelling schedule European competition brings, the Toffees will be delighted to stand on the verge of welcoming the trio back into the fold.

Osman sat out the 3-2 win at Stoke on Sunday with a knee injury, but could be in contention for David Moyes as Everton prepare to welcome Belgian opposition to Goodison Park.

The winger scored a number of crucial goals in the competition last season as Everton reached the last 16 before succumbing on penalties to Fiorentina.

He appears to be winning his battle to be involved in the club's latest European outing, as head physio Mick Rathbone confirmed Osman is progressing nicely.

"Leon injured his knee in the game against Portsmouth (on 30th August)," Rathbone told the club's official website.

"It's healing well so we'll see how it goes in the next couple of days."

Healing

Hibbert and Pienaar stand no chance of being involved against Liege as they remain some way off a first-team return, but both are well on the road to recovery.

South African winger Pienaar is yet to feature this term after breaking his foot in pre-season, while Hibbert underwent a knee operation over the summer.

"Steve's making good progress," added Rathbone.

"The fracture is nearly healed so, all being well, he'll be back in the next few weeks.

"Tony Hibbert is making really good progress too and he will be rejoining the squad in the next week."