Tuesday Mar 18 2008 17:08
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.
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