Boss Urges Yak Caution – News Archive – News – evertonfc.com – The Official Website of Everton Football Club
David Moyes is remaining cautious over the return of Yakubu.
The striker has figured in a couple of reserve games and also played the last 15 minutes of the Europa League game at Sigma Olomouc.
But Yakubu's most recent second string outing was cut short at half time and his progress is being carefully monitored by Moyes.
"Yak's been out for nine months and he will have to get a lot of training and a lot of football under his belt before we feel he's ready to start Premier League matches again," said the manager.
"He played 45 minutes for the reserves again this week but felt his hip and his back tighten up so we had to take him off."
The Nigerian ruptured his Achilles in November last year and following an operation he has been gradually building up his fitness, culminating with a first appearance for the reserves last week.
He scored after just 30 seconds but Moyes is urging caution.
"We have to understand that he has been out for a long time," he added.
But there is promising news of Mikel Arteta, who is following Yakubu down the road to recovery following a ruptured knee ligament injury.
"Mikel's doing well and there's a chance that he can join in (training) with the other boys in maybe a week or two," revealed Moyes.
"But he, too, will need reserve games before we can call on him."
David Moyes is remaining cautious over the return of Yakubu.
The striker has figured in a couple of reserve games and also played the last 15 minutes of the Europa League game at Sigma Olomouc.
But Yakubu's most recent second string outing was cut short at half time and his progress is being carefully monitored by Moyes.
"Yak's been out for nine months and he will have to get a lot of training and a lot of football under his belt before we feel he's ready to start Premier League matches again," said the manager.
"He played 45 minutes for the reserves again this week but felt his hip and his back tighten up so we had to take him off."
The Nigerian ruptured his Achilles in November last year and following an operation he has been gradually building up his fitness, culminating with a first appearance for the reserves last week.
He scored after just 30 seconds but Moyes is urging caution.
"We have to understand that he has been out for a long time," he added.
But there is promising news of Mikel Arteta, who is following Yakubu down the road to recovery following a ruptured knee ligament injury.
"Mikel's doing well and there's a chance that he can join in (training) with the other boys in maybe a week or two," revealed Moyes.
"But he, too, will need reserve games before we can call on him."
