Roberto Martinez has confirmed that winter signing Oumar Niasse is closing in on making his debut as the Blues face off against Bournemouth in the FA Cup Fifth Round this Saturday.
The Senegalese international had to watch from the stands as the Toffees were frustratingly beaten 1-0 by West Brom but will be looking to have a positive impact as he returns to match fitness. The forward has not played a competitive game since early December, hence Martinez reluctance to throw him into the deep end.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo he explained:
It’s been good to see him training and he’s getting very close. But he hasn’t been competing so we need to give him a plan. It could be a big risk to throw him into the Premier League. It could be dangerous so another three or four good days will benefit him and give him the physical element that you need.
But’s he’s been working really well so I don’t expect him to be missing in the next league game.
Roberto Martinez also explained that Kevin Mirallas will get a chance to show his talent from now to the end of the season. The Belgian has had a limited role this season coming off the bench and has become frustrated at the lack of chances the manager is providing.
Having signed a new deal in the summer, Roberto expressed Mirallas’ worth to the squad, he said:
We’ve got a big squad and as you know we’ve been working hard to get that. You’re going to get players who are disappointed. Kevin is been very unfortunate because he had a really really good performance against Chelsea then picks up an injury against Swansea.
Our attacking performers have been working really really well and Kevin has been working well, I have no problems with that, and I know he’ll be ready when the opportunity arises.
With Everton playing in the FA Cup this weekend, it could be a chance for both Kevin Mirallas and Oumar Niasse to showcase their ability to the manager who they will be hoping will include them in the squad for the next Premier League game against Aston Villa.
