Hibbert ruled out

With Tony Hibbert ruled out for up to two months with a bad groin tear, Everton are likely to switch versatile England international Phil Neville to right-back for the visit of Sheffield United to Goodison Park.

Defender Alan Stubbs, back in training this week after a groin injury, is unlikely to make the starting line-up but could be on the bench.

Boss David Moyes has James McFadden and James Beattie fighting for first-team starts while midfielder Simon Davies’ return to the side last week gives his manager another option. Gary Naysmith and Alessandro Pistone are both long-term injury victims.

Provisional squad: Howard, Neville, Lescott, Yobo, Valente, Davies, Arteta, Cahill, Carsley, Osman, Johnson, Beattie, McFadden, Anichebe, Van der Meyde, Wright, Stubbs.