PHIL NEVILLE will discover over the next 48 hours whether he is on course for a speedy return to action.

The Everton skipper has been sidelined since suffering knee ligament damage at Fulham earlier this month.

An early prognosis suggested Neville does not require surgery, with the player having targeted a comeback against former club Manchester United on November 21.

Everton initially erred on the side of caution with David Moyes planning on being without his captain until Christmas.

But the Goodison manager will learn more when Neville visits a specialist in London for an update on his condition.

“Two weeks ago it looked as though the problem did not require surgery,” said head physio Mick Rathbone. “It is very difficult to assess a knee that is sore and full of fluid so a specialist will now take a look.

“We have put a Christmas time-frame on a return but if all goes well maybe that will be a bit pessimistic.”

Neville is among several Everton players undergoing rehabilitation from serious injury.

Phil Jagielka has taken a step forward on the road to recovery by starting some light running.

But the defender will not be rushed back from the cruciate ligament injury suffered against Manchester City in April.