Everton FC: Kevin Mirallas could be fit to face Fulham

Oct 30 2012 Liverpool Echo

EVERTON hope Kevin Mirallas will be fit to face Fulham on Saturday after the Belgian international escaped serious injury in a tackle with Luis Suarez during the Merseyside derby.

The 25-year-old was unable to carry on in the second half of Sunday’s 2-2 draw, after suffering pain in his foot following a clumsy challenge by the Uruguayan international forward.

Mirallas left Goodison Park on crutches sparking fears he had suffered a broken metatarsal bone, but initial tests yesterday are believed to have indicated it is not that serious.

The £5.5m summer signing, who has scored three goals since arriving from Olympiakos, will now face a race against time to recover before the trip to Craven Cottage.

Mirallas had already given Everton a scare during international duty with his national side two weeks ago, when he missed some training sessions with an injury concern but recovered to play a part in both Belgium’s games.

Without Steven Pienaar, the forward had helped Everton dominate the later stages of the first half against Liverpool at Goodison, giving young full-back Andre Wisdom a torrid time.

David Moyes will now assess his recovery during the week before deciding whether to pitch him in against Martin Jol’s side, although he will at least have Steven Pienaar back from suspension.