Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that Tom Cleverley will miss around six weeks after picking up an injury on international duty.
The midfielder suffered ligament damage but avoided a fracture while playing for England, while the rest of the Toffees squad returned without injury.
The manager also spoke about this weekend's visit of Chelsea, and the Premier League champions' failed approach for John Stones in the transfer window.
Read what else the manager discussed belo.
Good morning! Everton manager Roberto Martinez will be speaking to the media shortly as he prepares his side for the visit of the Premier League champions in their first match since the international break.
At one point, it looked like Everton defender John Stones would be on his way to Chelsea in the transfer window, and that this match could be his debut for Jose Mourinho's side. Everton kept the England international though, so he'll still be with the hosts for this fixture.
Martinez has already told the club's website that he expects Aaron Lennon to be involved this weekend. The winger rejoined the club on transfer deadline day on a permanent deal, having spent the second half of last season on loan from Tottenham.
Everton sit ninth in the table coming into this match, with five points from their first four matches of the season. Their only win so far came away from home, with a 3-0 victory over Southampton at St Mary's.
Martinez should also be providing the media with an injury update this morning. Bryan Oviedo had to withdraw from international duty with Costa Rica after picking up a knock, while Seamus Coleman had a tight hamstring during international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
Aaron Lennon isn't the only player who could be making his debut for Everton this weekend. Argentine defender Ramiro Funes Mori joined the team on transfer deadline day for a £9.5m fee from River Plate. It will be interesting to hear from Martinez how he has settled at his new club.
While we wait for the manager, it seems a good time to remind you that we'll have live coverage of this match from an hour before kickoff, as well as team news, post-match reaction from the managers and loads more, so make sure you're with us from Saturday lunchtime to see if Everton can secure their first home win of the campaign.
Right then, the manager is in his seat ready to speak to the media, so let's see what's on his mind today...
Martinez starts with an update on his squad's fitness, revealing: "Everyone has come back in good shape, the only two players being assessed are Howard and Mori. They are the only two players who haven't been training, but everyone else has been fine."
The manager confirms that Oviedo will be assessed prior to kickoff, but reiterates than Lennon will play: "I feel Aaron is ready and he will play some part, it's just a question of deciding how much."
Martinez is asked about Chelsea's pursuit of John Stones, but he insists: "Nothing has changed, John has gone from strength to strength in a period of high pressure and has performed with incredible maturity. He has been taking the support of everyone at the club."
Martinez tells reporters that the support of the home crowd will be key: "We expect a very difficult opposition, but we're looking forward to the game and we need Goodison to be at its very best. I think our fans are very creative, astute in the way they support our players."
Tom Cleverley was stretchered off while playing for England earlier this week, but the manager reveals that it isn't as bad as first feared, confirming that there is no fracture. He adds: "It's hard to tell how long Cleverley will be out. You could expect six to eight weeks with that injury, but with Tom we're looking at six weeks."
It's been a difficult couple of weeks for Darron Gibson, who was in court on a drink-driving charge during the international break, but the manager says: "Darron's back in with the group, taking part in 10 versus 10 drills and training well."
Turning his attention to this weekend's opponents, Martinez tells reporters: "We know Chelsea haven't lost any of their top performers [during the transfer window] so I expect to see them competing for every trophy."
Martinez is asked more about the club's handling of Chelsea's interest in John Stones, but he insists: "Every player that represents Everton needs looking after and understanding, we need to look after the human and the footballer. Our best interest is to develop John, to continue being a very important player to us, not just John but every single player."
Back to Chelsea, Martinez adds: "You asses their four games and there have been small margins; that happens. I expect a very strong Chelsea team with the right mentality and approach. We need to make sure they don't develop momentum against us."
And with that, Martinez makes his exit. Everton fans will welcome confirmation that most players have come back from the international break without injury concerns, plus confirmation that Tom Cleverley has not suffered a broken leg.
So, join us again on Saturday to see if Everton can claim their first home win of the season. Until then, thanks for joining me this morning. Goodbye.
Written by
Sian Cowper
Sian Cowper
