Source: Liverpool_Echo
Everton FC?s Jo winning fitness battle for Arsenal opener
Jo
EVERTON are growing in confidence that Jo is winning his battle to be fit for Saturday's opening showdown with Arsenal.
The Brazilian striker has been sidelined since he was carried off with an ankle problem in Everton's 2-1 friendly defeat at Blackpool last Tuesday.
Jo left Bloomfield Road that night on crutches to heighten fears that he might have been in store for a long lay-off but David Moyes was quick to allay such concerns.
And Everton's manager today gave an upbeat assessment of Jo's chances of figuring against the Gunners as he prepared to welcome him back to training.
'When Jo went over on his ankle, we didn't really think it was that bad and we hope that he is going to be okay for the weekend,' said Moyes.
'He is back running now but is only doing straight line work. He's not twisting and turning yet but we hope to do that kind of work with him in the next couple of days.'
His availability would be a big boost to a squad that is not blessed with vast numbers and would give Moyes precious options, as he attempts to mastermind a winning start.
But even though he does not have lots of bodies, Moyes has taken heart from the form that his key players are showing, particularly Tim Cahill.
