Tony Hibbert and Joleon both face spell on the sidelines

May 10 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

Tony Hibbert (158)

JOLEON LESCOTT and Tony Hibbert both face extended spells on the sidelines this summer as Everton’s gruelling season takes its toll.

Lescott will begin a series of injections on his right knee after the final Premier League game of the season at home to Newcastle United tomorrow.

While with former club Wolverhampton Wanderers, the defender missed the whole of the 2003-04 season after having his right knee reconstructed by renowned specialist Dr Richard Steadman in the United States.

Any fears over his long-term fitness have been allayed by his appearance record following his move to Goodison Park, with the 25-year-old having played a part in 95 consecutive games.

But wear and tear means Lescott needs the knee to be strengthened, ruling him out of England’s forthcoming friendlies with the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

“Joleon’s knee is getting sorted again in the summer,” said Everton manager David Moyes. “He’s having some work done to his knee immediately after the game on Sunday.

“He’s not missed any games for us since he arrived, but his knee does need carefully looking after. I’m nearly 100% convinced that he won’t be available for England.

“It’s not an operation, it’s a series of injections to help strengthen the knee some more.”

Hibbert, meanwhile, will be sidelined three months after it emerged he suffered medial ligament damage during the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal last Sunday. The right-back could struggle to be fit for the start of next season, although no decision will be taken on possible surgery until results of a second scan on the injury have been assessed.

“Tony is going to out for probably three months,” said Moyes.

“We are not quite sure yet whether he will need an operation. He has been for one scan and will be going for another one soon. It says a lot for his character the way he played on. He was outstanding but his knee is quite bad.”