Iwobi makes speedy recovery from ankle injury and Everton will test to see if he is fit for tomorrow

SUPER Eagles playmaker Alex Iwobi will undergo a late fitness test at Goodison Park tomorrow morning to see if he is he will be fit to play a part in this weekend's league game against Southampton where he will lock horns with compatriot Joe Aribo.

In a January 6 FA Cup match against Manchester United, Iwobi was stretchered off early in the second half after being on the end of a crunching tackle from Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia. Iwobi had to be replaced immediately and it was feared that the damage may have been severe but his dad Chuka Iwobi, later allayed any such fears, saying his won would only be out for a few weeks.

According to Mr Iwobi Snr, the results of a scan showed that his son should recover from the ankle injury in a couple of weeks. Iwobi had not been expected back this soon as when the Toffees released the medical update six days ago, it was speculated that he would be out for around three weeks.

However, Everton manager Frank Lampard confirmed at a pre-match press conference that Iwobi, the Hale End Academy graduate, who came through the Arsenal youth ranks, has responded well to treatment and a late decision would be made on his availability. Scan results confirmed that Iwobi suffered a lateral ligament injury that will be managed conservatively by the club’s medical team.

Mr Lampard said: "Alex is a lesser injury than what we thought, so we'll see in the morning if he's ready to play tomorrow." Iwobi has been an important player for Everton this season, starting all their matches in the Premier League and has directly participated in six goals finding the back of the net once and providing five assists.

Saturday's game could be the 15th time Iwobi old would be facing the Saints in his professional career if he gets the green light from the medical team. Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro said he also wishes that the injury is not a big one as his team will resume the qualification campaign for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in March and he needs Iwobi fit.