Gibson back in training but won't face Chelsea

Michael Kenrick , 12 September, 0comments | Jump to most recent

Everton will again be without Darron Gibson this weekend as the midfielder continues to build fitness after recovering from a knee injury suffered in the friendly against Real Betis last month.

The Irishman resumed full training 10 days ago but will not be ready to face Chelsea in Saturday's late-afternoon kick off.

Antolin Alcaraz is also forced to wait to make his first appearance of the new season following a free transfer from Wigan. He, too, has been deemed not ready as he continues his recovery surgery to correct a hernia problem over the summer.

“Darron and Antolin are in training with the first team. Now it is a case of getting the match fitness," Roberto Martinez said at his press conference this morning. "That could take a couple of weeks, depending on how they react.

“Darron and Antolin won't be fit for the weekend but they are not going to be too far away. For Darron, in a couple of weeks, he'll be getting really close.”

While new boys James McCarthy and Gareth Barry are in contention to make their Everton debuts, Seamus Coleman is a slight doubt after picking up a knock on international duty on Tuesday evening. Romelu Lukaku is ineligible to face his parent club.

Quotes or other material sourced from Liverpool Daily Post

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