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Jelavic set for speedy return

Nikica Jelavic is set to be back in action for Everton ahead of schedule © Getty Images

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Nikica Jelavic is ready to make a speedy return to action when Everton visit Leeds in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.

Croatia striker Jelavic suffered a knee injury in colliding with a goalpost during the 2-2 Premier League draw with Newcastle last Monday.

He missed Saturday's 3-0 win at Swansea and it was initially feared he would be out for a fortnight, but manager David Moyes intends to use Jelavic in a strong Everton line-up as he bids to land the club's first trophy since the 1995 FA Cup.

Moyes is without right-back Tony Hibbert due to a calf strain and midfielder Darron Gibson who has a thigh injury, but otherwise has a full squad to pick from.

Everton assistant boss Steve Round said: "Jelavic is fit. He comes into the squad now. Otherwise, the manager's kept the same squad.

"He might make one or two changes, but I wouldn't envisage too many. We're right at the start of the season, so rotation maybe isn't as important as later on."

Round emphasised Everton's desire to build on an impressive start to the Premier League season by seeing off Championship side Leeds and moving a step closer to ending a long wait for silverware.

He added: "It would be massive for the club to win a trophy. I think a club such as Everton needs to be up there winning trophies. That's the club's tradition and history.

"The manager is really focused on it. I'm sure it gnaws at him every single day. That's what he aspires to. He needs to win trophies for Everton. This is another opportunity and a good opportunity. And it provides another route into Europe.

"It's one of those competitions where, early on, it might not get the credence it deserves. But later on, when you get to the quarters, the semis and then you're in the final, you know it's a cup you're very glad to be in, and when you see other teams in it and you're not, you wish you were there.

"That's the outlook of the manager. He's going to be totally motivated to do his best in this trophy and win it if he can."

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