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Everton's cautious striker approach
Everton, 15:05, September 5, 2009 ,
David Moyes has indicated Yakubu might not start a Premier League game for Everton until the end of September after a long-term injury.
The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough striker has been sidelined since November 2008 after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon, but is closing in on a first-team return.
Yakubu scored for the Blues second string in a 45-minute run-out but Everton, who face Fulham after the international break, will not be rushed back to action.
Those seeking a free bet on Everton will note that Moyes, who has the likes of Louis Saha and Jo at his disposal, is determined to ease the Nigerian star back and admits it may be a few weeks before he is seen from the start in the Premier League.
The Blues boss said: "Yak's been out for nine months and he will have to get a lot of training and a lot of football under his belt before we feel he's ready to start Premier League matches again.
"He played 45 minutes for the reserves again this week but felt his hip and his back tighten up so we had to take him off. We have to understand that he has been out for a long time."