Everton have dismissed fears that defender Joseph Yobo could have missed the start of the new season due to injury.
Yobo played every game in the Premiership last term, but reports in his native Nigeria had claimed the defender was a doubt for the new campaign after aggravating a back injury.
Nigeria will be denied his services for their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger as a result of the blow.
However, club physio Mick Rathbone insists the injury sustained on international duty will not compromise Yobo's participation in the early weeks of next season.
"Joe injured his back last weekend, and because he had some intermittent pain towards the end of last season we wanted to see him immediately," Rathbone told the club's official website.
"We saw him last week and while the injury isn't as serious as he first thought we feel that he should rest for the remainder of the month.
"We're confident he will be fine in time for the start of pre-season."
he is really good and solid. everton needs him back for the new season cos stubbs is already in his mid 30s
Yobo is undoubtedly one of the best CBs in the EPL, he has a striker's speed, he can head, he's good at marking and he can tackle, big blow to Everton
Everton is a strong contender for UEFA spot again, perhaps will flatter a little..
Yobo is dam consistent. He played every minute of every game last season.