Toby Edging Closer

Tobias Linderoth returned to training this morning after five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The Swedish international pulled up during the Worthington Cup win at Newcastle United at the beginning of last month and has been receiving treatment on the problem ever since.

It was a bitter blow for the 23-year-old midfielder who had only recently forced himself back into the first team set-up under manager David Moyes.

He now faces a further battle to regain his match fitness and prove once again that he is worthy of a place in the Everton midfield.

Linderoth will not be considered for Saturday・s visit of Blackburn Rovers but the Blues Boss may be forced to make changes ahead of, and during, the impending Christmas schedule.

：I have to make sure that I am fully fit before I can even think about trying to force my way back into the team,； Tobias told evertonfc.tv.

：I need to make sure I don・t rush back too quickly and get injured again. I・ve been very careful not to rush things and so have the physios here at Everton.

"They know much better than me just how my leg should feel and just how many weeks it will take to heal. I have to listen to their advice and I trust them completely.

Injuries have started to play a part in Moyes・s midfield selection and though Lee Carsley returned to the right flank for Saturday meeting with Chelsea, Mark Pembridge missed out.

The Welsh international also has a hamstring problem but has resumed jogging at Bellefield and should be fit enough to start full training in the next few days.

The injury will obviously rule him out of Saturday・s clash when his former boss at Benfica, Graeme Souness, brings his Blackburn side to Goodison, but he could be in contention for the Merseyside derby.

Niclas Alexandersson is the only other midfield casualty and like his colleagues has been making excellent progress and is aiming to start training by the end of the week.