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EVERTON FC: BOXING DAY DOUBT

/noticias.info/ Alan Stubbs has been classed as doubtful for the Boxing Day clash with Middlesbrough - but David Moyes will give him every chance to prove his fitness.

The Blues defender had been due to play at Reading on Saturday afternoon but jarred his knee during the warm-up and had to be replaced by Gary Naysmith.

Everton’s medical staff report the problem is not too serious, though he has undergone a precautionary scan and at this stage it is uncertain whether he will be fit enough to play.

No decision will be taken until just before kick-off at Goodison Park on Tuesday with Stubbs now set to receive intensive treatment in a bid to make the match.

There is better news regarding striker Victor Anichebe, who looks as though he will be in contention for the game against Gareth Southgate’s side.

Like his team-mate Stubbs, Anichebe was all set to feature at the Majedski Stadium but was forced to pull out through illness in the minutes leading up to kick-off.

However, the problem has now settled and he did manage to return to light training on Christmas Eve in preparation for the visit of the Teessiders.

Meanwhile, Nuno Valente is back training after missing the Chelsea match and could be considered, Tim Cahill continues to be sidelined with a knee problem whilst Tony Hibbert and Alessandro Pistone are entering the final stages of their respective rehabilitations.

Everton from: Howard, Wright, Neville, Yobo, Stubbs, Weir, Lescott, Valente, Naysmith, Osman, Carsley, Arteta, Davies, van der Meyde, McFadden, Anichebe, Beattie, Johnson, Vaughan, Hughes. notas_de_prensa_archivo