Leon Osman is almost certain to return to the Everton side at home to Aston Villa on Sunday after recovering from a hip injury.

Everton also have high hopes that fellow midfielder Mikel Arteta will make his comeback after spending time this week back home in Spain having treatment on stomach and groin injuries.

Tim Cahill has returned to Australia for an operation on his broken metatarsal, while this will also be the first game Steven Pienaar has played since signing his long-term contract.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has no fresh injury worries ahead of the crucial clash.

Striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has a slight cold but it will not prevent him from playing against the Toffees.

Midfielder Craig Gardner is still ruled out with a thigh injury suffered on England Under-21 duty four weeks ago although he has returned to training.

Victory for Villa will take them into fifth place and above their opponents on goal difference.