EVERTON have opted to delay possible surgery on Leon Osman’s long-standing knee problem.

The midfielder met with the club’s medical staff yesterday to determine whether he should go under the knife during the international break.

But the decision was made not to operate on Osman, with Everton hopeful a period of rehabilitation can help rectify the injury.

Despite missing just the home defeat to Portsmouth on August 30 this season, the 27-year-old has been hampered by the problem.

Speaking after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, Osman said: “I hope I don’t need an operation, as I haven’t missed a game lately.

“If I need surgery, so be it. But, if I don’t, I’ll carry on with the rehab work to keep my knee as strong as possible.”

Meanwhile, Steven Pienaar believes Everton fans cannot “expect miracles” from club record signing Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini opened his Goodison account with the second goal in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

The 20-year-old midfielder is still finding his feet following his £15million deadline day arrival from Belgian champions Standard Liege.

And Pienaar, who made his first start of the season against the Magpies at the weekend, has urged supporters to remain patient with Fellaini.

“Marouane has been under a lot of pressure because he cost so much money,” said the South African. “People expect miracles but they also have to understand he’s only 20 years old and he comes from a different country. The language and the culture is different.