WANTAWAY Everton defender Joleon Lescott faces a possible backlash from supporters when he steps out at Goodison tonight.

The centre-back is expected to make an appearance when David Moyes’s side complete their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Malaga.

Lescott informed the Everton manager earlier this week of his desire to leave after being tracked throughout the transfer window by Manchester City.

The 26-year-old missed Everton’s last two friendlies – Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Coventry City and the 2-1 defeat at Blackpool on Tuesday – after sustaining a hip injury during the game against the MLS All-Stars.

But Lescott trained yesterday and is in contention for a start this evening, which would be the first time he has appeared in front of the Everton support since his transfer request.

“I thought there was a chance of him playing against Blackpool,” said Moyes. “He trained but just felt it again, so we decided not take a risk with him. We will see.”

City have already failed in bids of £15million and £18m, and have yet to return with an expected increased offer of around £22m.

While Steven Pienaar, who has been absent since the defeat to River Plate in Canada, should return, Louis Saha is likely to remain sidelined as he grapples with asthma.

The striker has an ongoing battle with the condition, which forced him to also miss the recent friendlies at Coventry and Blackpool.

And although Moyes believes the problem is not serious, it is a concern for Everton with the Premier League season due to start on Saturday week.

“Louis, I think, needed to get through the first few weeks of pre-season without any trouble,” said Moyes.