PIENAAR COULD RETURN

Friday 16 October 2009, 14:14
by Giulia Bould @YourEverton

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Fifa: Felli Can Play

Everton will give Steven Pienaar a late fitness test ahead of the clash with Wolves.

The midfielder has been battling a knee injury which he picked up at Portsmouth last month.

He missed the Stoke game and wasn't able to join South Africa during the recent international break.

Manager David Moyes said: "Steven is getting better, he will have a fitness test and we will make a late decision on him, but he's improving."

Joseph Yobo could return though, having played a full 90 minutes for Nigeria last weekend.

Moyes is still awaiting the return of Tim Howard from America, but the other long distance travellers - Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill and John Heitinga - should all be okay.

Indeed, Neill boosted his match fitness with two full games for Australia.

"I've not got them all back yet," said Moyes. "Tim Howard isn't back yet but when he is I will make a decision."

The long distance travelling is a worry for Clubs adds Moyes.

"Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill are examples of having to deal with long flights. They both did well though as they got an earlier flight back from Australia to make sure they got a little extra time before Saturday's game.

"It can make it difficult for managers as you don't have your players together for very long prior to kick off."

Though the players are away from Everton, Moyes keeps in touch regularly. "I text them to find out how they have got on and to check they are fit,” he revealed.

"It does them good to get away though." Moyes added. "They get a breather and get away from my voice! When they are with their national teams Everton let them get on with it. We respect they are away and let the national managers work with them."

And Marouane Fellaini is also available after Fifa rejected the Belgian FA's bid to have him banned.

Mikel Arteta, Phil Jagielka, Victor Anichebe and Phil Neville all remain on the sidelines.

Everton: Howard, Nash, Neill, Heitinga, Yobo, Distin, Baines, Hibbert, Rodwell, Gosling, Bilyaletdinov, Osman, Cahill, Pienaar, Fellaini, Yakubu, Jo, Saha.

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Cathy Condron

Well spotted Matthew with my mistake in regards to Steven Piennar. Of course he is Stevie P and not what i said earlier....lol. Dont worry i have washed my mouth out with soap and water after that slip of the tongue....apologies!

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Tuesday 20th Oct 2009 09:00

Agree with Cathy?

Matthew Snape

Whos Stevie G? dont you mean stevie P? good point though.

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Saturday 17th Oct 2009 14:31

Agree with Matthew?

Paul Ewers

Glad to see Pienaar on the mend. but I'd rather he was rested, we should be good enough to beat Wolves without him!

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Saturday 17th Oct 2009 14:10

Agree with Paul?

Mark Marlow

International football puts a strain on the squad , but I know the Everton boys will do their best ! , this truly is the peoples club and I am sure the players will give everything they have ! . Nil satis nisi optimum

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Saturday 17th Oct 2009 13:33

Agree with Mark?

JOHN WILSON

i wish to see SUPER GOSLING in the start line up come on you blues lets dance with wolves 4-0

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Saturday 17th Oct 2009 12:30

Agree with JOHN?

Cathy Condron

I personally wouldnt risk Stevie G today! Wolves will be rough and the little man, if not 100% fit may pick up a "tough knock". Maybe put him on the bench and see how the game goes and give him a run say the last 20 mins, just to see how he goes....then wrap him up in cotton wool till the next game! What a player he is!

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Saturday 17th Oct 2009 11:23

Agree with Cathy?

Shaun Hanna

Great news!! Pienaar has really stood up to the plate since Arteta got injuried, we'll all be chuffed to see him back!! COYB!

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Saturday 17th Oct 2009 11:11

Agree with Shaun?