We'll Ease Vic Into It

Moyes unlikely to get anyone back for Blackburn

David Moyes says he will continue to manage Victor Anichebe carefully as the Nigerian bids to regain 100 per cent strength and fitness.

Anichebe has scored twice since making his comeback from a serious groin injury but with the Blues still missing six key players for the visit of Blackburn on Saturday - Moyes admits he would loathe to add the Nigerian to that list.

Phil Jagielka (knee), Leon Osman (foot), Sylvain Distin (hamstring), Seamus Coleman (groin), Jack Rodwell (hamstring), Tony Hibbert (groin) and Ross Barkley (knee) all missed the game at Aston Villa and Moyes confirmed to his Friday press briefing that all would again be missing this weekend.

Consequently, Moyes knows it is imperative Anichebe stays fit.

The Nigerian has made three appearances from the bench and one start since emerging from a four-month spell on the sidelines with his importance to the team underlined by a crucial leveller at Villa Park last Saturday.

And Moyes said: "Victor has been back for a few weeks and I could have started him last week (at Villa), but I don't want him to reinjure himself.

"We had a couple of games quite quickly on the bounce and we are trying to manage it carefully so that we don't get any more players out - it is important we tread carefully at the moment."

Should Distin not make it on Saturday, it should mean another chance for Shane Duffy after his first Premier League start at Villa Park.

Moyes added: "Shane did well last week. He has been out on loan at Scunthorpe and it showed. It has helped him improve and we need it as we are short of centre-halves at the moment."