Osman surgery put off

Everton have decided to delay an operation on Leon Osman's long standing knee injury in the hope rest will cure it.

The midfielder had a meeting with the club's medical staff on Monday to decide whether the international break would be an optimum time to operate on the knee but instead of surgery the club have decided to go for the rest option.

Only time will tell whether the club have made the right choice but the player himself was always hoping to avoid an operation if he possibly could.

Speaking after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United, Osman said: "I hope I don't need an operation, as I haven't missed a game lately.

"If I need surgery, so be it. But, if I don't, I'll carry on with the rehab work to keep my knee as strong as possible."