Cahill Could Return

Tim Cahill could return against Hull but Everton will be without Louis Saha.

Tim Cahill could return for Everton against Hull, but the Blues will be without Louis Saha.

The Frenchman suffered a hamstring injury against Sporting Lisbon last week and did not feature in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Spurs.

In his pre-match press conference, manager David Moyes said Saha will not recover in time for the visit of Phil Brown's side. The Scot also has concerns over Leon Osman, Phil Jagielka and James Vaughan.

But Moyes was able to report that there is a possibility that Cahill could feature after a calf problem. 

"Louis Saha has got a bit of a hamstring injury, he won't be available for the game, and there is maybe a chance that he will be available for next week,” revealed Moyes.

"Tim Cahill is getting closer. He's not trained yet but there's a chance that he might train tomorrow. And if he does, that will give him a chance and put him in contention.”

The Blues boss also has worries over Leon Osman, who suffered a knock during the White Hart Lane clash and was withdrawn at half time, and Phil Jagielka, who has not trained this week with a thigh problem.

He continued: “We picked up one or two injuries last week at Tottenham. Leon Osman had a knock on his foot and we need to see how he is. James Vaughan picked up an injury playing for the reserves last night, but overall I think most of the players are okay.

"Phil Jagielka had a bit of a thigh strain during the week so he's not trained much this week either, but that can be expected. He's not played any reserves games, he's had no practice games, but he's had 45 minutes at Sporting and 45 minutes at Tottenham.

"He's had a little bit of action, but not too much yet. He's looking good and I'm really pleased to get him back training again."

Meanwhile, the manager was also pleased to report his international players had reported back to Finch Farm on Friday with no new concerns. 

"There's always a bit of tiredness a day or two after, but I think generally most of them have come through unscathed,” Moyes added.

"We hope to have roughly the same sort of players we had last week. There are one or two ifs and buts, but in the main I hope the majority of them will make it and come through."