Monday Jun 11 2007 14:36
Everton have moved to allay fears concerning the fitness of Joseph Yobo by claiming the defender will be fit for the start of the new season.
Yobo, 26, had reportedly aggravated an existing back problem while on international duty with Nigeria earlier this month.
The former Standard Liege and Marseille defender has withdrawn from the Super Eagles' squad to face Niger this weekend, but will be ready for the start of pre-season training, according to Toffees physio Mick Rathbone.
"Joe injured his back last weekend and, because he had some intermittent pain towards the end of last season we wanted to see him immediately," he told the club's official website.
"We saw him last week and, while the injury isn't as serious as he first thought, we feel that he should rest for the remainder of the month.
"We're confident he will be fine in time for the start of pre-season."
Yobo made 41 appearances for the Toffees last season and was a mainstay in an injury-plagued defence.
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