Rodwell close to return

David Moyes is hoping Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell will be able to return to training next week following a rib injury.

Everton midfielder has scan on rib injury suffered on England duty

David Moyes is hoping Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell will be able to return to training next week following a rib injury. Rodwell suffered the problem during England's friendly win over Sweden earlier this month a few days after he had made his senior debut against Spain. The 20-year-old subsequently sat out Everton's victory over Wolves and was again absent for Saturday's 2-0 success at Bolton Wanderers. However, Rodwell has undergone a further scan on the injury and he is expected to be back in training by the middle of next week. Moyes is pleased with the youngster's progress and Rodwell could be in contention for the Toffees' next Premier League game against Stoke City. "He has been for another scan this morning and it is showing that he is getting better," said Moyes. "I'm expecting him to maybe be back in training by the middle of next week, everything going well."