EVERTON v Birmingham: Better news for Phil Jagielka

Everton manager David Moyes has eased fears defender Phil Jagielka could face a long spell on the sidelines.The England centre-half was substituted with a thigh injury during Monday's impressive Barclays Premier League win at Manchester City.The 28-year-old is still a major doubt for the Boxing Day clash against Birmingham at Goodison Park but Moyes does not expect his absence to be a lengthy one. Sticky Toffee: Phil Jagielka won't miss as many games as first fearedWhen asked how long he could be out, Moyes said at a pressconference today: 'I'm not sure. We're hoping that he might not be toolong but he is certainly a doubt for the game against Birmingham, as isJohnny Heitinga, so we could have a problem at centre-half if we don'tget one of them fit.'Heitinga has been out for the last two matches with a knee problem.Midfielder Steven Pienaar is hoping to return after missing theEastlands victory with a groin injury and playmaker Mikel Artetareturns after suspension.Striker Victor Anichebe is banned after his sending off on Monday.Provisional squad: Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Distin, Baines, Arteta,Cahill, Fellaini, Rodwell, Osman, Coleman, Bilyaletdinov, Pienaar,Saha, Yakubu, Beckford, Gueye, Baxter, Duffy, Jagielka, Heitinga, Mucha.CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE BOXING DAY PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM NEWS  Explore more:People: Phil Jagielka, Victor Anichebe, David Moyes Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Source: Daily_Mail