Everton v Blackburn preview

Published Jan. 20, 2012 1:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Everton manager David Moyes does not expect to have any of his injured players back.

Centre-backs Phil Jagielka (knee) and Sylvain Distin (hamstring) are missing while fellow defender Tony Hibbert (groin) has been out for some time, which means Shane Duffy is likely to continue alongside John Heitinga in the middle of the back four.

In midfield Seamus Coleman (thigh), Leon Osman (knee) and Jack Rodwell (hamstring) have all sat out recent games.

New loan signing Anthony Modeste could make his debut for Blackburn if he receives international clearance in time.

The 23-year-old striker, who has moved from Bordeaux, could feature with Ayegbeni Yakubu beginning a three-match suspension.

Centre-back Scott Dann is also in contention for a return after recovering from a groin injury while manager Steve Kean will judge Chris Samba's mental state after the defender had a transfer request turned down before deciding whether to include him.

Everton (from): Howard, Heitinga, Baines, Duffy, Neville, Gibson, Bilyaletdinov, Cahill, Drenthe, Fellaini, Saha, Donovan, Mucha, Anichebe, Stracqualursi, McFadden, Gueye, Vellios.

Rovers (from): Robinson, Bunn, Dann, Samba, Lowe, Hanley, Givet, Nzonzi, Rochina, Pedersen, Petrovic, Dunn, Hoilett, Olsson, Goodwillie, Formica, Vukcevic, Slew, Blackman, Henley, Morris.