Everton boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed Leighton Baines and Bryan Oviedo are both on course to be fit for the start of the new season.
England left-back Baines has been sidelined since aggravating an old ankle problem against Sunderland back in May while Costa Rica midfielder Oviedo broke a metatarsal in training in April.
The Toffees duo are now on the way back and are fit for the pre-season trip to Scotland, with friendlies coming up against Hearts on Sunday and Dundee on Tuesday.
Martinez told the club’s website: “We have got some very exciting news with Bryan Oviedo and Leighton Baines joining the group for Scotland.
“They are raring to go as you can imagine. They are two pristine professionals and they are a similar profile of player, so they have been helping each other with their work. They are full of energy and desperate to join the group.”
Martinez has also confirmed midfielder Gerard Deulofeu is set to be ready for the big kick-off despite the fact he will not travel north of the border because of a hamstring problem.
The former Barcelona youngster suffered the injury against Arsenal in the Asia Trophy in Singapore, but should be fit for the start of the season.
Martinez added: “It’s not a real concern, it’s an injury that I don’t think will stop him starting the league campaign.
“His physicality is that he is a sprinter and we need to make sure he is fully recovered before he is back on the pitch.”
Deulofeu enjoyed a loan spell at Goodison in 2013-14 and has now been signed on a permanent basis.
Everton are 13.00 to achieve a top-four finish in the Premier League next season.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet