Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Ross Barkley is edging closer to a return to action after resuming training.
The England international is yet to feature for the Merseyside outfit so far this season after he suffered medial ligament damage in training back in August.
Martinez claimed before the international break that Saturday's game against Aston Villa is too soon for the midfielder, but in today's press conference, the Spaniard said that Barkley has reacted "extremely well" to his return to training.
"Sometimes you forget what a sensational footballer he is, but when he is in full flow his enthusiasm is infectious around the place," Martinez told reporters. "It is too early to tell if he will be involved at the weekend, but I do not see him being too far off."
Barkley signed a new contract at Goodison Park over the summer.