Hibbo Injury Latest

Head physio Mick Rathbone gives the latest on the Blues' injury absentees.

Tony Hibbert could return to Everton’s side this weekend.

The right-back is currently battling a neck injury, and his recovery is a slow one at present. He missed the 0-0 draw with Spurs on Saturday, as well as the previous weekend’s 2-0 win at Sunderland.

But Everton head physio Mick Rathbone explained neck injuries can clear up quickly and is remaining hopeful over Hibbert’s chances.

“Tony just appeared one day with a really, really sore neck,” Rathbone told evertonTV.

“That was eleven days ago now and I must say it's not getting better too quickly, so he's making really slow progress.

“He's not training at the moment. But the thing about necks is they do resolve quite quickly and spontaneously, so we're kind of hoping he's going to come in everyday lots better, but at the moment he's doing okay. He's certainly not ruled out of Saturday's game, but he's making slow progress.” 

Meanwhile, it has been two weeks since Phil Jagielka traveled to London for surgery on his anterior cruciate knee ligament, and Rathbone was pleased to reveal that he has met the preliminary recovery requirements following his operation. 

“The post-op period has gone well”, Rathbone added.  “He's achieved all the criteria the surgeon asked for and the wound is clean. He comes in everyday, and he's doing okay, it's a six-month injury, but he's filled all the post-op criteria. 

“He is in good spirits. I think deep down he is still devastated obviously - but he's putting on a brave face.” 

Nuno Valente could also be back in action before the end of the season. 

The Portuguese defender suffered a knee injury which required surgery in October and Rathbone hope he will be fit enough to be involved in the Blues’ remaining games of the campaign.

“Nuno had a bad knee injury and he's been out for about five months now, but he's doing okay,” he explained. “We've been running hard with him and doing some ball work. We want to get him involved for the last couple of weeks for sure.”