Victor Anichebe Nearing Full Fitness For Everton

Everton striker Victor Anichebe, whose season was curtailed by a reckless tackle from Newcastle United's Kevin Nolan that damaged knee ligaments, keeping him out for the final three months of the campaign, has confirmed today that he is returning to full fitness, as he nears completion of his rehabilitation.

Prior to Nolan's challenge, Anichebe had been out for two months with hamstring and back problems, and endured a frustrating time in a campaign when Everton began to look like they would pose a challenge to the dominance of the top four.

"I'm getting on well," he told the club's official website. "It's quite a slow progress and was slow at the start but now I'm kicking on."

The Toffees endured an injury crisis amongst their strikers just after the turn of the year, with dynamic midfielder Tim Cahill often functioning as a lone striker, supported by Marouane Fellaini.

Anichebe concluded by paying tribute to the way in which the rest of the squad had responded to the absence of strikers.

"The squad's done really well," he added.

"Look at the amount of injuries we've had this year. People have had to play in different positions but we're confident whoever we play. We're not scared of anyone."