Injury headaches for Everton

Everton defenders Tony Hibbert and Nuno Valente are doubtful for Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Middlesbrough after picking up injuries in midweek.

Hibbert has a groin strain while Valente suffered a foot injury in the Carling Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday, and although Joseph Yobo (illness) has returned to training, Alan Stubbs is expected to keep his place after helping the Blues record a clean sheet at Hillsborough.

Andrew Johnson (groin) is also doubtful, meaning Yakubu and James McFadden should continue up front after both scoring in midweek, and although midfielder Mikel Arteta (ankle) could return, Thomas Gravesen remains out.

Everton (from): Wessels, Hibbert, Stubbs, Lescott, Yobo, Baines, Valente, Pienaar, Arteta, Carsley, Neville, Jagielka, Osman, Johnson, McFadden, Yakubu, Anichebe, Ruddy, Vidarsson, Van der Meyde.