The Nigerian has not played since limping out of the home draw with Chelsea on 22nd December with a hamstring injury. Everton have remained unbeaten while their influential defender has been out, and not conceded a goal in the three matches he has missed.

But the Toffees' resources are badly stretched, and manager David Moyes would welcome Yobo back as soon as possible.

He said: "I do not think that Yobo will be too far away (from playing) but Louis Saha is probably another four or five weeks away."

substitute appearance

And Moyes also revealed there is a glimmer of hope for striker James Vaughan, who could now return before the end of the current campaign. Vaughan is recovering from another knee operation, and has not played since a substitute appearance at Middlesbrough in November.

He had been expected to be out for the season, but Moyes said: "We may well get Vaughan back before the end of the season now."