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Everton FC'sBryan Oviedo is on course to complete an amazing return to fitness in time for the World Cup, after a ‘remarkable’ start to his recovery from a double leg break, says Roberto Martinez .

The defender fractured the tibia and fibula bones in his left leg during the Blues’ FA Cup victory over Stevenage just short of a month ago.

Oviedo, 24, required major surgery and faced the likely prospect of missing out on his dream of playing for Costa Rica in this summer’s tournament in Brazil.

But this week he posted a video on YouTube of himself cycling on an exercise bike at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground, without a cast or any form of support on his leg.

And according to Martinez, who is a qualified physiotherapist, Oviedo has stunned the Toffees medical staff with his progress so far, and has convinced him he is on the right track to be fit way ahead of schedule.

“I’ve never seen anything like it before,” said the Blues boss. “I was talking with the medical staff and we’re all staggered. The word is remarkable.

“He’s an incredibly quick healer and he’s so focused. He’s been working non-stop in the little jobs he’s got to do daily.

“For him to be able to walk after three weeks and even put weight on the leg, to ride a bike, shows you he’s an incredible character.

“He’s an outstanding example of how players should be facing adversity. He’s never felt down, he’s taken each day as one less day until he’s back to fitness.

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“I always felt because of the way Bryan is mentally and how focused he is that he had a slim, slim chance of making the World Cup.

“Now I’d be even more positive about it because there’s still a long time to go, and if he progresses at the rate he’s doing now you could easily see him being fit for mid June.”

Martinez believes the left-back’s recovery was also boosted by a quick and efficient reaction from the club’s medics.

And he also emphasised the importance of the enormous good will the popular player has received from Everton fans, who have inundated him with messages of support.

“We had a good reaction from everyone from the instant the injury happened at Stevenage,” he said.

“Bryan had the best assistance straight away and from that moment on the operation was a great success.

“Since then it’s just Bryan, but the environment around him has been so supportive; from the fans to his team-mates, which really helps.”

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