Tim Cahill is likely to return to Everton's squad to face Reading at Goodison Park on Sunday following two months out with knee damage.
The Australian midfielder has been in full training for a week and boss David Moyes admits he would have no doubts over a recall if Cahill continues to impress.
Everton will be without full-back Nuno Valente, who picked up a knee problem in last Sunday's FA Cup third-round home defeat by Blackburn.
Reading will give a late fitness test to skipper Graeme Murty.
The right-back is struggling with a groin injury but with Brynjar Gunnarsson out with a hamstring problem, manager Steve Coppell has either Ulises de la Cruz or Andre Bikey standing by to replace him.
Winger Bobby Convey is back from a knee injury but might not travel while striker Dave Kitson will not be considered after playing just half an hour since the opening day of the season.
Everton squad: Howard, Neville, Yobo, Weir, Lescott, Naysmith, Davies, Van der Meyde, Carsley, Cahill, Arteta, Osman, Johnson, McFadden, Wright, Weir, Beattie, Anichebe, Vaughan.
Reading squad: Hahnemann, Murty, Bikey, De la Cruz, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Little, Harper, Sidwell, Hunt, Doyle, Lita, Long, Seol, Federici, Oster, Convey.
