Republic of Ireland midfielder Darron Gibson could make his return to the Everton starting line-up in tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa at Goodison Park.
Gibson was back in action as a substitute in the 2-1 win over West Brom on Wednesday after a thigh problem, which had kept him out since the end of December.
It remains to be seen whether or not striker Nikica Jelavic will be restored to the first XI having been dropped to the bench for the Baggies match and it is not expected that teenager John Stones, recruited from Barnsley on transfer deadline day, will be involved, while fellow defenders Seamus Coleman (thigh) and Tony Hibbert (calf) remain sidelined.
Provisional squad: Howard, Jagielka, Distin, Heitinga, Baines, Oviedo, Naismith, Hitzlsperger, Osman, Pienaar, Fellaini, Jelavic, Mucha, Neville, Anichebe, Vellios, Gibson, Mirallas, Duffy.