Martinez: Were positive that Barkley will be available for Arsenal game
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has delivered some mixed injury news with Ross Barkley likely to rejoin the squad by Sunday’s match but Phil Jagielka unlikely to make it.
Martinez said that he is positive that Barkley will make the squad for the game at the weekend, but declared that they may have to take a different route for Jagielka to avoid a recurrence of his injury with England World Cup hopeful John Stones likely to deputise again.
He said: “Ross has had two very good days since [the Fulham fixture]. We’re going to assess him today and I hope he can join the group today and tomorrow,” said Martinez on Friday.
“At the moment, we are very much positive Ross will be available for the squad.
“With Phil, we need to be very, very careful. It’s an injury where we need to be sure that we don’t get a recurrence.
“He’s still doing his individual programme and the medical department are not ready to allow him to re-join the group.
“We need to play it safe with Phil and I don’t think he’s going to be available this weekend.”
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