Blues hope Gibson is fit for Fulham

, 24 April, 11comments | Jump to most recent

Everton hope they will have Darron Gibson declared fit enough to play against Fulham on Saturday after he was forced out of the action at half time against Sunderland last weekend.

The Irishman has had a persistent thigh problem caused by calcification on the tendon and he will likely require surgery to correct the it in the summer but the club's medical staff are managing the issue from week to week to keep him playing.

Moyes still harbours hopes of finishing in fifth place but he will likely need his first-choice eleven if he is to achieve that goal over the last four games of the season. Gibson has been an influential part of the Blues' midfield this season and was badly missed when he missed a large chunk of the winter programme on the treatment table.

Meanwhile, the player has learned that he will keep the goal he scored against Queens Park Rangers a fortnight ago. The Premier League's Dubious Goals Panel has accredited to him the deflected strike that gave the Blues the lead in a 2-0 win.

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post

Reader Comments (11)

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Terry Maher
1 Posted 24/04/2013 at 15:24:07

Play Barkley if he's not fit. I think Gibson needs treatment anyway, so best not to risk his injury and make it worse. I would play Barkley.

Robin Cannon
2 Posted 24/04/2013 at 16:00:53

At this point in the season, with fourth now out of reach, I really don't see the point in hoping that established players will be able to play through the pain for another match or two.

It did make sense (albeit it can be debated) to do so when we were still in with a shot at Champions' League. Now, though, the long term benefits of giving those players a rest, and learning a little about younger players, just seems like a no brainer...

Jarek Pardej
3 Posted 24/04/2013 at 16:57:59

Play Osman in the middle if he is fit, Pienaar up and Oviedo left.

Bobby Mallon
4 Posted 24/04/2013 at 17:19:12

Don't play Oman at all. Rest him and play some youngsters.

Edward Robinson
5 Posted 24/04/2013 at 17:48:15

Bobby, I agree completely. It's about time the youngsters got a chance. It was a major mistake to play Osman instead of Barkley at Sunderland after Barkley's classic against Spurs.

It's very debateable whether getting into the Europa League is a good thing, anyway!

James Stewart
6 Posted 24/04/2013 at 18:00:43

Agree with Bobby Osman has been really poor last few games.

Ross Edwards
7 Posted 24/04/2013 at 18:28:10

Just keep Ossie and Naismith out of the team Moyes! I definitely want Pienaar dropped after that awful showing against Sunderland, I want Barkley back in and Oviedo given a try to replace Ossie.

James Flynn
8 Posted 24/04/2013 at 20:25:07

We can get to 68 points. If he's fit enough, play him.

Vijay Badhan
9 Posted 25/04/2013 at 02:27:39

Ross,

Bang on, mate. I couldn't agree more.

Phil Sammon
10 Posted 25/04/2013 at 08:06:36

My only reservation about Oviedo on the left is that he likes to occupy the same positions as Baines. With both Baines and Pienaar now under performing I think I think the time is right to give him a chance.

Barkley should start for Osman - who received my praise when he was playing well, but has now been poor for a good while.

Hopefully Jags will be back.

I'm also desperate to see McAleny on the bench and given 15 minutes at the end. Surely we should be giving these lads snippets of first team football.

Also, I don't ever want to see Heitinga in a blue shirt again. He's a liability and should be sold at the end of the season.

Matthew Williams
11 Posted 26/04/2013 at 23:36:58

Time to play the youngsters. We always do Fulham, a home banker bet of the season, Rest Gibbo, Ossie & drop Pienaar. Come on, Moysie, surprise us!

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