Stubbs ready for Everton return

Everton defender Alan Stubbs is set to return to the squad for the Premiership clash at Sheffield United after recovering from a knee problem.

Stubbs was forced out of the away win at Watford last weekend with the injury. It is unlikely Tony Hibbert will be in the starting line-up, also having missed the Watford game with a slight recurrence of a groin injury.

He could be on the bench after his bid for match practice in a midweek reserve game ended when the game against Liverpool’s second string was postponed.

Provisional squad: Howard, Neville, Lescott, Yobo, Naysmith, Osman, Cahill, Carsley, Arteta, Fernandes, Johnson, Beattie, Wright, Stubbs, Hibbert, Anichebe, Vaughan.