Fernandes is Blues doubt

Everton boss David Moyes fears that Portuguese midfield star Manuel Fernandes will not be fit to face Bolton tomorrow at the Reebok in a clash between two local rivals battling for a place in Europe.

Fernandes was ruled out of Everton’s last two matches at Aston Villa and on Friday at home to Fulham with a thigh strain picked up on Under-21s duty for his country. Now Moyes will wait to make a late decision on the Lisbon-born youngster.

Moyes also has a doubt over teenage striker Victor Anichebe who was on for only 15 minutes against Fulham, scored, and then had to limp off with ankle problem.

Richard Wright is struggling with a jarred knee but Lee Carsley should be fit despite having eight stitches in a head wound.

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