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Everton will give John Stones and Seamus Coleman until Sunday morning to prove they are fit enough to face Liverpool in the 225th Merseyside derby.

Roberto Martinez will wait until just a few hours ahead of kick-off before he makes a decision on the influential pair, who have both been recovering from injury.

The Blues boss had been confident at least Stones would be available for the clash with their local rivals despite picking up a knee injury in the Capital One Cup victory over Reading last week, but he took a more cautious tone in his press conference this morning.

"I think it's too early to tell now," he said. "They're progressing well and in the next two sessions we'll get a clear idea. I wouldn't be able to tell you one way or another.

"We will make a decision as late as we can, probably on the day of the game.

"John (Stones) hasn't trained with the group, he has trained on his own. We have got two sessions now where he is going to be involved with the group and we'll make a final assessment."

Martinez gave the ECHO further details on the nature of Stones' medial knee ligament problem.

"It is a very busy period with the game on Sunday and then the international break which is very demanding for a player who has been out for a game."

"We'll need to make an assessment but we will make the right call.

"The medial ligament needs a bit of time because it is where the force of kicking the ball goes in your leg, so it needs to be repaired and 100%

"So from a medical point of view there is a real clarity and if we can get him 100% for Sunday then he will be available for Sunday but if not, then we'll make sure he comes back from the international break ready to perform."

Big-spending Reds should be favourites, says Martinez

Martinez's men are the bookies favourites ahead of the game, but insists he is taking nothing for granted against Brendan Rodgers' troubled outfit.

"What matters is the 90 minutes," he said. "We're showing good form, so maybe people see us as favourites. But if you look at the amount of money Liverpool have spent in the last three seasons, maybe you would say they are favourites.

"It's a derby. It doesn't matter the past."

Asked about the pressure his counterpart from across Stanley Park is currently under following the Reds underwhelming 1-1 draw with F C Sion last night, he said: "It's part of the game.

"We've created so many high expectations, and the nature of not winning games means pressure is normal. If you don't win a game, you're under pressure. We as managers accept that.

"I don't measure success by comparing our squad with other teams. I develop a squad window after window, and I am delighted with what I have. "