Zaha to be assessed ahead of Everton clash

After picking up a suspected adductor injury while playing for Ivory Coast in an African Cup of Nations qualifier, Zaha was forced to withdraw from the squad. 

The 25-year-old could play some part at Goodison Park, or so insisted Hodgson, who denied any claims of a long-term injury and highlighted that Zaha had only suffered a strain. 

He said: "I don't know where information that this was a two-month injury came from, we've never been mindful it would take a long time. 

"It's a strain that players get on a regular basis, some recover quicker than others and we're fortunate he is a quicker than normal 'recoverer' but it will depend on the extent on the injury whether one week is a possibility in terms of recovery.

"It's good news that he's close enough to be assessed, to see if he is fit enough to play.

"But you're taking me into areas of sport science I don't feel comfortable talking about. My information is he hasn't trained with us since the injury, but they're hoping he might be able to train tomorrow.

"If he is able to train tomorrow I guess he could be available to play."