Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell suffered a groin injury during an England Under-21 clash two weeks ago and was expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. But now, thanks to the efforts of the Toffees medical staff, the 19-year-old is in contention to play against Sunderland this weekend.
"The medical staff here are really good," Rodwell said. "I have full faith in them and hopefully I can shave off a few weeks.
"My last injury I was told it would be three months but I was back in two, maybe even less."
Rodwell is hoping Everton's weekend win over Chelsea in the FA Cup will kick-start their season.
"Sunderland is a massive game for us," he said. "We need to pick up as many points as we can - especially at home.
"There is still so much to play for. We are still in the cup and if we had beaten Bolton last week we would have gone eighth and been just outside the European places.
"The league is still tight and the places are there for the taking."
