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    Martinez: Kone a few weeks away from peak fitness

    Roberto  Martinez admits it may not be  until mid-September before  new signing Arouna Kone  rediscovers peak fitness.

    Kone followed Martinez from  Wigan Athletic last month for  £5million, making him the  Spaniard’s most expensive  summer signing.

    However, the Ivory Coast  international has appeared  jaded throughout his pre- season performances, not  helped by observing Ramadan  which meant he had to fast during  the hours of daylight.

    Kone was restricted to two late  cameos from the bench during  Everton’s opening two Premier  League games and finds himself behind Nikica Jelavic in the early  striking pecking order.

    The 29-year-old, who became a  father this week, is likely to again be  among the substitutes when  Martinez’s men visit promoted  Cardiff City on Saturday.

    And the Goodison manager  said: “I think it’ll be a couple  of weeks before Arouna is  fully fit. It think that will be  just the normal time.

    “He’s not far away physically from his best moment last  season. But it’s been a testing  summer for him with  Ramadan and his personal  situation.

    “I thought when he came on  Saturday he showed he is  ready and desperate to  perform. I don’t think he’s too  far away from being at his best  level.”

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    Comments

    1. wow – so he’s still recovering from Ramadan which finished three weeks ago and he’ll take a few more weeks to fully recover… its a good job Ramadan isn’t every year

    2. He’s become a father & Ramadam? what kind of an excuse is that? His passing was very poor his positioning was poorer and should of scored when he got the ball at his feet and trip over em!
      I know Roberto knows him better than us lot but I’m getting worried about him and what’s in store for us this season. Hope we can get some super striker in before the window shuts and keep hold of Baines & Fellaini?? Is it me or did Fella seem to clear off the pitch sharpish last night at the end of the game?

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