Tim Howard injury update

Evertonians and fans of the USA can breathe a huge sigh of relief: Tim Howard has been cleared to play in Friday’s World Cup game against Slovenia, despite bruised ribs.

Howard was treated Sunday and re-examined yesterday morning by US medical staff, and they determined that there was no need for any further testing.

An official U.S. Soccer Federation release said Howard was making “substantial improvement and is expected to be available for the match against Slovenia.”

That’s a huge boost for the Americans, considering they will need at least a daw against Slovenia to stand a chance of advancing to the second round. Howard adds invaluable leadership to a highly scrutinised American back four, as shown in their first game against England.

“[Howard is] just that rock that you can depend on. We’re hoping he continues to be that throughout the tournament,” Onyewu revealed to Foxsoccer.com.

“For a defender, you don’t want to get beat, but if that happens, you know that you have Tim back there and you know he’s going to give three hundred percent to keep a goal from being scored. In my eyes he’s top five in the world.”

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