Everton captain Phil Neville expects to be fit for Saturday's away game against Chelsea.
Toffees captain should be fit for Chelsea trip
Everton captain Phil Neville expects to be fit for Saturday's away game against Chelsea.
The versatile veteran was forced to miss Saturday's 4-1 home defeat by West Brom with a knee problem.
But the Toffees are set to be boosted by the return of the influential 33-year-old for the testing trip to Stamford Bridge.
"The injury is coming on," he told the club's
official website.
"It has taken longer than I thought to clear up but I should be back for the weekend.
"It was stiff after Sunderland and, having played that game, I probably knew I would miss West Brom but I should be back in full training by the middle of the week and then back in to face Chelsea."
Neville's return would be a welcome lift for the Toffees after Saturday's surprise defeat, which also left them five games without a win.
Taking responsibility
Having recovered from a poor start to climb out of the bottom three, David Moyes' men have slipped back down to 16th in the table and are just two points above the relegation zone.
But Neville insists the Toffees are staying united as they aim to get back on track.
"I think everyone is disappointed but the good thing is we are all taking responsibility for a poor performance," Neville added.
"There is no finger-pointing, no blaming each other and we all know it is not good enough.
"Under this manager there is no other way to sort it out than through sheer hard work.
"The boys have been on the training field again, working hard, and we all want to put it right."
Neville's return would also be important because Mikel Arteta must begin a three-match ban, although Marouane Fellaini will be available again after his own suspension.
The Belgium midfielder was making his comeback from a hamstring injury when he was sent off against Bolton earlier this month.
"Marouane has been missed," Neville said. "He came back for one game and he looked brilliant against Bolton.
"He looked super fit and then he got himself sent off. He does need to learn but he is back now."
