HIBBO INJURY LATEST

Tuesday 12 May 2009, 15:08
by Antonia De Feo @antoniadefeo

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.”

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clinton davids

Hibbo is Mr.Everton.He has come through the ranks and is a loyal servent to the club.I hope he gets well soon so that he can collect his winners medal at wembley stadium.COYB

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Friday 15th May 2009 08:14

Agree with clinton?

Adam Brady

HE IS MY IDOL

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Thursday 14th May 2009 10:21

Agree with Adam?

Adam Brady

HE IS MY IDOL

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Thursday 14th May 2009 10:21

Agree with Adam?

Adam Brady

I WANT 2 HAVE HIS BABIESSS

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Thursday 14th May 2009 10:21

Agree with Adam?

Adam Brady

I Love TONY He Is the BOMB... i WANT TO BE HIM... HE IS THE REASON WHY I LIVE !!!!

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Thursday 14th May 2009 10:20

Agree with Adam?

Jarlath Hanly

Tony: Get well soon.We need your cover. COYB

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Thursday 14th May 2009 00:22

Agree with Jarlath?

Robbie Doogan

Hibbo has been Excellant all season! Hope hes ok for the final!!!!

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Wednesday 13th May 2009 18:46

Agree with Robbie?

steve hurley

All i can say is that all the players make me proud to wear the shirt COYB and all the players who are injured get well soon

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Wednesday 13th May 2009 17:27

Agree with steve?

Dave garstang

Jags, Hibbo, Nuno, Arty.. keep up the good spirits and get back to full strength soon. You have all played crucial roles in getting us to where we are now and you all must know that the fans our proud to have such amazing players in our squad. It takes true pride to be part of the everton family and every single one of you have proven you have what it takes. Get back to full fitness soon and lets show the world what everton are really made of!!

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Wednesday 13th May 2009 11:07

Agree with Dave?