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Rodwell's injury problems

Jack Rodwell will undergo a series of tests on his nervous system as Everton hunt the cause of his persistent hamstring problems. A series of niggling hamstring injuries has restricted Rodwell to just two first-team games since making his full England debut against Sweden in November.

The 21-year-old was due to be involved in last Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final with Sunderland but was forced to withdraw on the day of the game. While Rodwell is expected to sit out tonight's Premier League visit of Arsenal, he could come into contention for the weekend trip to Swansea City. But Everton admit they are growing disconcerted by his continual setbacks.

?It is a slight concern,? said assistant manager Steve Round.

?We think it is something to do with the nervous system and are exploring that avenue. The injuries he is sustaining are not always in the same spot.

?At a push, he could be involved against Arsenal but we owe it to him to make sure that we are doing the right thing. Maybe just giving him an extra week at this stage is the smart thing to do. It may be that a summer's rest or an injection in to a nerve to get the inflammation down will help him.

?He is working really hard to strengthen his hamstring. We won't finish him for the season, as it is not that serious. We have got to keep him going, we have got to try and re-strengthen and make sure that he is doing all the right things to prevent.?

Rodwell's England call-up had been the result of an impressive run of form alongside Marouane Fellaini in central midfield during the first few months of the season. And while admitting the midfielder can ill afford continued disruption at this stage of his career, Round is convinced Rodwell has the strength to come through.

?He seems okay (mentally),? the assistant boss said. ?He seems quite strong and will overcome that. It is just a case of easing him off at the minute and easing him back.

?Once he gets into the team and gets a run, he will improve. Jack is at the stage where he needs to be a regular. This has set him back a little bit but I have got confidence he is going to be a top player.

?Car? It has been mooted in the past, with back injuries. The medical team are looking in to it. They will be looking into everything.

?I've got a lot of confidence in Jack, I really do have, and I think that he'll overcome it and move forward. I think he'll be a tremendous player.?

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post

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