Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck are ruled out of Unitedโs game with Swansea. Cheick Tiote reckons heโs ready to play against City, despite sustaining a head injury at Chelsea last night. Phil Neville and Victor Anichebe could be out of Evertonโs last two games, while reports suggest Kyle Walker picked up a toe problem at the Reebok last night:
Sir Alex Ferguson has today ruled out Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck ahead of Unitedโs crucial home clash with Swansea on Sunday. Speaking to the press this morning, Ferguson admitted that, while Evansโ fitness has improved, he has failed to recover from the injury that kept him out of Mondayโs trip to City, while Welbeckโs ankle is still feeling the effects of Nigel de Jongโs second half challenge:
He is out. He got injured on Monday. Hopefully he will be ready for the Sunderland game.
Javier Hernandez is surely set to come in for Welbeck as Ferguson moves back to a 4-4-2 against the Swans, while at the back, itโs debatable as to whether Chris Smalling will continue alongside Rio Ferdinand in Evansโ absence. Given his underwhelming contribution at City, Smalling could be replaced by Phil Jones in the centre of defence, with Rafaelโs more attack-minded nature perhaps seeing him get the nod at right-back once again.
Cheick Tiote has assured Newcastle fans heโs raring to go ahead of Sundayโs game with City. The midfielder was subbed off just after the hour mark last night and required oxygen and several stitches after being elbowed by John Obi Mikel, but afterwards the Ivorian revealed he bore no malice towards the Chelsea man and felt fine for the weekend.
I spoke to John Obi Mikel afterwards and itโs fine. It was purely an accident from him. If you play in midfield your have to let people hurt you and be ready for it. I am much better. I canโt remember any of it, but the most important thing is I feel great. Itโs just a cut on the side. Itโs fine for me though, I will be OK for Sunday.
Everton look set to be without the services of Phil Neville and Victor Anichebe for their remaining two games of the season. Neville injured a hamstring in training earlier in the week and was unavailable for Tuesdayโs trip to Stoke, while Anichebe limped off midway through the first half of the Pottersโ clash due to a groin problem.
Reports suggest Kyle Walker complained of damage to a toe after Spursโ win at Bolton last night. The right-back has been transferred in by almost 30,000 Fantasy owners on the back of last Sundayโs free-kick and clean sheet display against Blackburn, though the severity of the problem remains unclear. Luka Modric has said he expects to be fit for the weekend trip to Villa โ the midfielder needed an ice pack on a foot problem after the Reebok romp, while Scott Parker is also likely to come into contention for Sunday. The former West Ham man missed out last night with ankle and Achilles problems but the club are optimistic of a quick return.
