Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC star Marouane Fellaini set for faster than expected return to fitness
Marouane Fellaini 60[LNB]MAROUANE Fellaini is set to provide David Moyes with a fitness boost by returning to action two weeks ahead of schedule.[LNB]The influential Belgian midfielder was ruled out for up to six weeks earlier this month, after he was injured on international duty with Belgium.[LNB]Fellaini's ham-string problem was worsened by playing on during the Euro 2012 qualifying clash with Austria, and left Moyes furious.[LNB]The Everton boss, who wrote an angry letter to the Belgian FA over why the 22-year-old was not substituted, was resigned to being without his £15m man for most of November.[LNB] But Fellaini could now be fit for next Sunday's home game against Arsenal, after working hard on the training ground and responding well to treatment.[LNB]Moyes said: 'The situation has improved. He's training well and will have an outside chance of being fit for next Sunday. I've said it before but the lad is probably the hardest working player when he's injured, and probably the most dedicated to getting back.[LNB]'The medical staff will say he's a pleasure to work with, he wants to put his time in and get back quickly. He was in Belgium doing a solid week's work and he really puts himself out.'[LNB]Moyes' delight at Fellaini's rapid recovery was tempered by news that Leon Osman will be out for six weeks after he needed surgery to remove a piece of bone from his ankle, injured during the Merseyside derby.[LNB]Moyes said: 'Maybe last year I felt we couldn't get players back quickly. Obviously we've got to keep an eye on it.[LNB]'Phil Jagielka came back quick from his hamstring, and Mikel Arteta and there's always an element of risk to it. Jack (Rodwell) we put on the bench last week and I wouldn't have used him unless we really needed the size at set pieces late on in the game. He wasn't really 100%.'[LNB]Moyes said that Rodwell, who has been out since the end of August, has not fully recovered from the ankle injury he picked up in the 1-0 defeat to Villa.[LNB]'I think he's close but I don't think he's quite ready yet, but we may need to continue to include him,' said Moyes.' he said.
