Everton are hopeful that Morgan Schneiderlin will be available for the 228th Merseyside derby.
Ronald Koeman previously admitted that he feared the midfielder would be ‘out for several weeks’ after he limped out of the Blues’ win over Hull City last weekend.
But scans have show that the extent of the calf injury Schneiderlin sustained in the 4-0 rout against the Tigers was not as severe as first thought despite him leaving Goodison Park on crutches.
Everton’s medical staff will assess the France international before deciding on his return to action, with next Saturday’s showdown at Anfield still a possibility.
Koeman is hopeful of having a near-strength squad to pick from as he bids to end Liverpool’s unbeaten home derby record for the first time in 18 years.
Schneiderlin has been a key figure in Everton’s recent upturn in form, with just one defeat from their previous nine games since his arrival from Manchester United.