LEIGHTON BAINES is poised to give beleaguered David Moyes a much-needed fitness boost by returning to action for Everton tomorrow.

The left-back has been missing after sustaining a calf problem in preparation for the Europa League clash against Benfica in Lisbon last week.

In the absence of Baines, Everton have lost three successive games while conceding 10 goals during that period.

But the 24-year-old has responded well to treatment and is expected to be in contention for the Premier League visit of Aston Villa.

Everton were without 10 senior professionals for the Carling Cup defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, with Louis Saha adding to injury list when forced off at half-time with his own calf injury.

Saha will be given further time to prove his fitness before tomorrow afternoon, with Everton aiming to halt a run of five games without a win.

The Frenchman’s injury gave Jo a chance to impress from the substitutes’ bench on Tuesday night, with the Brazilian delivering his most effective performance for some time.

With Yakubu working his way back to full match fitness, the forward line is the one area where Moyes has been able to juggle his resources.

And Jo said: “I think competition for places is good because the more world-class players you have the better.

“The competition is quite fierce but it’s a long season and we’re involved in lots of competitions so, in my opinion, the more players we have the better.

“Having a squad of 20 top-class players to choose from will be nice because we have so many games to play.”

Despite Everton’s difficult week, Jo is convinced Moyes’s side can soon rediscover their form.