Everton Football Club News

• Nickname:Toffees
• Founded:1878
• Manager:David Moyes

• Ground:Goodison Park
• Capacity:42,440

Toffees wait on injured AJ

18 Mar 2008 - 17:08:55

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Everton will give Andrew Johnson every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the weekend clash with West Ham United.

The England striker limped out of Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Fulham with a problem and subsequent scans have confirmed a groin strain.

However, Toffees physio Mick Rathbone is optimistic the ten-goal striker will be fit to play some part against the Hammers at Goodison Park.

Fellow injury doubt Victor Anichebe could also recover in time from a hip problem.

"AJ had a scan on Monday and it revealed what we thought it would," Rathbone told the club's official website.

"The player has a groin strain and we'll do everything we can to get him fit before the weekend."

Meanwhile, the Toffees are reportedly close to sealing the permanent capture of on-loan midfielder Steven Pienaar.

The South Africa international has been with the Merseyside club since a summer switch from Borussia Dortmund and reports claim he could sign a permanent contract at Goodison Park before the end of the week.

Pienaar, who has been linked with a move to Valencia in recent days, has made 33 appearances for David Moyes' side this season.