Everton manager Roberto Martinez has played down reports suggesting Romelu Lukaku is struggling with an injury picked up in the recent 2-0 friendly win over Dundee.

The Belgium international managed just 32 minutes at Dens Park before being substituted after appearing to be in some pain when clutching his hamstring.

The 22-year-old, who moved to Goodison Park from Chelsea last summer, has been used heavily in pre-season and bagged a goal in the 4-0 victory over Swindon Town at the start of July.

A hat-trick was then recorded in the 3-1 success over Hearts as the striker continued to rack up the minutes and produce impressive performances.

There were fears the Belgian could be sidelined after the short appearance against Dundee but Martinez insists Lukaku is fine and there are no injury problems.

“Rom has obviously been playing a lot of minutes and it was important for him to get some sort of action,” he told everton tv. “After the first 25 minutes, he was feeling his legs were a little bit too heavy and we didn’t want to take any risks.

“It’s not a problem at all. I think he got a lot of good work between the two games we’ve had up here, plus the games we had in Singapore.

“Now we have got a little period before the weekend to make sure he is ready and refreshed.”

The Toffees conclude their pre-season with a trip to Leeds United on Saturday before going up against newly-promoted Watford on the opening day of the Premier League.

Everton are priced at 13.00 to finish in the Premier League top four this season while Lukaku is a 34.00 shot to end as the top goalscorer.