Everton’s Phil Neville is facing a race against time to be fit for this Saturday’s clash with former club Manchester United.

The 32-year old defender has been out for just over two months with a knee injury and although his recovery has been quicker than expected, faces a huge challenge to get up for the Toffees’ trip to Old Trafford.

"It was nine weeks ago on Sunday when the surgeon told me I would be out for 12 weeks,” Neville said.

"Then I looked at the calendar and saw it was ten weeks until United and felt it was fate calling. I thought that would be my comeback game.

"But as the time has got closer and closer... (I) have still got to overcome so many obstacles.

"I have managed to start running, kick a ball, twist and turn. But if you are not tackling four days before a Manchester United game it is going to be a miracle to play on Saturday. But you never say never."