EVERTON are sweating on the fitness of Nikica Jelavic amid fears the striker may face a spell on the sidelines.

Jelavic hobbled off shortly before half-time of Monday nights controversial 2-2 draw at home to Newcastle United.

The striker required lengthy treatment following an early collision with a goalpost, and twice further required treatment, the latter having accidentally collided with team-mate Leon Osman.

After complaining of a problem close to the knee area, Jelavic underwent a scan earlier this week to determine any possible injury.

And Everton are waiting to discover the extent of any damage while still hopeful the Croatia international will be available for Saturdays Premier League early kick-off at Swansea City.

Should Jelavic be ruled out, Victor Anichebe who scored after replacing the striker on Monday and Steven Naismith will challenge for a starting role at the Liberty Stadium.

Meanwhile, Phil Jagielka believes Shane Duffy has merited a new contract at Everton for the manner in which he stepped up during the clubs injury crisis in defence last season.

Duffy last week put pen to paper on a three-year deal after making his breakthrough into the first-team squad in January.