Everton's Victor Anichebe saved from injury by his strong legs
EVERTON physio Mick Rathbone has confirmed that the size of Victor Anichebe's legs rescued him from serious injury at Newcastle on Sunday.
The Nigerian striker escaped with strained ligament knee damage after the lunge by Kevin Nolan that earned him a red card.
Anichebe was initially convinced he had broken his leg and would miss the rest of the season - a fate Mikel Arteta has suffered following the knee injury he sustained in the same game.
But Rathbone said: "He's got big strong legs and that helps. I think he's just about got away with it.
"He has had a series of scans and he appears to have strained ligaments on the outside of his right knee.
"He is very sore indeed and we need to take a few days to let the area settle down before we can properly make an accurate clinical evaluation.
"Victor has also got very bad bruising on his shin and on the outside of his ankle but we're not overly concerned about that."
Everton's injury woes in the 0-0 draw at St James's Park meant Marouane Fellaini had to return earlier than desired from his rib injury.
But Rathbone allayed fears over his fitness and also feels Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar could be back to face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
He added: "Fellaini's fine. He's got this little rib fracture and he's got a little bit of discomfort but he's a tough boy and he's okay. It wasn't ideal that he came on but it was fine.
"Dan (Gosling) came off hobbling but he's been in for a cool down and he's okay.
"Leon and Steven have got a chance for the weekend. They're working very well and we're reasonably optimistic. They're both making good progress."
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