International injuries present selection problems

Last updated : 30 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The trip to Goodison Park is one of the most difficult games that we have left this season, so the news that three midfielders have picked up injuries ahead of the game is to say the least untimely.

Hugo Viana is definitely ruled out after a recurrence of his shoulder injury during Friday’s Under-21 international, while Gary Speed has already said that his participation in the game is in doubt after he collected a groin injury on international duty with Wales.

Now Nobby Solano has been forced to pull out of the Peru versus Chile game after sustaining a thigh strain during training and has already conceded that he is unlikely to play against the Toffees.

At the moment that would leave the midfield looking likely to be Laurent Robert, Jermaine Jenas, Kieron Dyer and Brian Kerr – unless Sir Bobby throws up a surprise with the inclusion of Aaron Hughes in the holding role or risks Clarence Acuna, who is not due back from international duty in South America until Friday evening.