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Gerard Deulofeu is unlikely to be fit for Everton’s opening game of the new season against Watford on Saturday, says Roberto Martinez.

The former Barcelona winger, who became the club’s second signing of the summer when he joined in a £4.3m deal in June, suffered a hamstring injury during the Asia Trophy defeat to Arsenal in Singapore.

Speaking after Deulofeu missed yesterday’s 2-1 defeat by Villarreal at Goodison, Martinez said: “Geri is very good. He’s been very lively and was in the dressing room and very happy today.

“He’s already working at 60% so I don’t expect him to be too far away. Maybe the weekend will be too early for him but he won’t be too far away from coming back.”

The 21-year-old has had problems with hamstring injuries before, missing two months of his loan season at Goodison after being stretchered off at home to Fulham in December 2013.

It would represent a blow for Martinez, who brought Deulofeu back to Merseyside this summer on a three-year deal and has seen his side struggle for cutting edge in the final third.

The winger had previously impressed during Everton’s pre-season schedule with bright cameos against Swindon, Stoke and Arsenal.

He made 25 appearances in his loan spell throughout the 2013-14 and is one of two summer signings made by the club so far, along with midfielder Tom Cleverley.

Everton also have concerns about the availability of another winger, Kevin Mirallas, for the weekend after he twisted his ankle during Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial against the La Liga outfit yesterday.

Mirallas will be assessed by Finch Farm medical staff tomorrow.