Romelu Lukaku is set to return for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Burnley.
The Belgian, who has scored 11 goals since the turn of the year, is back in training after missing the previous two matches with a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-1 victory away at QPR.
“Romelu has had two really good days with the group,” said manager Roberto Martinez in Thursday’s press conference.
“He trained really well on Tuesday and yesterday he had a very good response to the work we did on Tuesday, so we are very happy and I expect him to train today and go through the next two sessions with no problems. If that’s the case, then he will be available for the squad at the weekend, although that doesn’t mean that he is ready to play 90 minutes.”
Elsewhere, both Leon Osman and Aidan McGeady have a chance of being fit for this weekend’s match against the Lancastrian side.
“With Leon Osman, we will give him as much time as we can to see if he can make the squad.
“Bryan Oviedo is joining the group today even though he is not going to make the squad on Saturday. But it’s great news to have him back. Steven Pienaar had no reaction whatsoever to the good work he put in at the weekend.
“Aiden McGeady is joining the group as well, so it’s good news all round. It was only a back problem with Aiden; it wasn’t a major injury. When he came back from the internationals he felt a bit of discomfort in his back and it took a bit of time to get that sorted. He looked back to normal on Tuesday and we will assess it from there. I think he can finish the season strongly, with no injuries.”
Darron Gibson and Tony Hibbert are the only definite absentees for a Toffees squad looking to mount a late charge for a top ten place.
