Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC defender Phil Jagielka running out of time in derby race
Phil Jagielka 300[LNB]PHIL JAGIELKA is unlikely to win his fight for fitness ahead of Sunday's Merseyside derby.[LNB]The defender is back at Everton's Finch Farm after being sent home from England's training camp with a hamstring injury on Friday.[LNB]England medical staff immediately ruled him out of tonight's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley, and now Everton have confirmed they expect him to be sidelined for the showdown with Liverpool on Sunday.[LNB]The 28-year-old will undergo further assessment by Everton physios, but his fresh injury combined with an ongoing knee niggle means David Moyes is likely to turn to Dutchman John Heitinga to play alongside Sylvain Distin.[LNB] Louis Saha is also desperate to win his own race for fitness. The French striker has recently returned from his homeland, where he was receiving treatment on a groin injury, and has taken part in light training. He will be hoping to do enough this week to convince Moyes he can play a part against Liverpool.[LNB]Meanwhile, Steve Round believes an England recall for Leighton Baines is inevitable if the left-back maintains his excellent start to the season.[LNB]The twice-capped Blues defender has picked up where he left off last term with a string of eye-catching displays - but has so far failed to win his place back in Fabio Capello's England squad.[LNB]Both late goals in the 3-3 draw against Manchester United - a game witnessed in person by Capello - came from pin-point Baines crosses from wide on the left.[LNB]And the 25-year-old again showcased his qualities with a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-0 win at Birmingham, a display capped by a superb assist for Tim Cahill's late clincher.[LNB]Despite his accomplished form Baines was once again overlooked for the latest England squad and will have to settle for watching on television when Montenegro visit Wembley for a Euro 2012 qualifying match tonight. The Everton defender has not been picked for international duty since being omitted from Capello's World Cup squad and Round - himself a former full-back and coach within the England set-up - feels the ex-Wigan man is worthy of a recall.
