The Everton forward Kevin Mirallas has not sustained significant damage to his right ankle and is likely to be available within a couple of weeks, according to the manager Roberto Martínez.

The Belgium international was carried off on a stretcher after a heavy challenge by Jordon Mutch having previously scored in the 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers on Monday.

However, Everton’s worst fears have been allayed after scans revealed minor ligament damage which should mean Mirallas is available for at least part of the festive period.

“We have great news as we were very worried after the game because it was an action where you feel the ankle is definitely damaged,” said Martínez. “The damage is the least it could be. It is an external ligament in his ankle and the way he is as a quick healer I don’t expect him to be out for too long. I wouldn’t rule him out for any of the fixtures over the Christmas period.”

There was more good news as Martinez revealed that the midfielder Leon Osman will not require an operation on an ankle problem which has sidelined him since early December.

“I don’t expect Leon to be out for too long,” said Martínez. “When we started to assess the problem, that was the worst-case scenario to go through an operation but he has reacted well enough to the treatment and we are very hopeful he will be OK without an operation.

“Darron Gibson [knee] will be joining the group today and we will assess him after that and James McCarthy [hamstring] is making good progress and both will be assessed before the Southampton game. It is a 50-50 situation for both for Saturday.”

Martínez also paid tribute to the 28-year-old forward Steven Naismith after the Scotland international signed a three-year contract extension which will keep him at Goodison Park until 2019.

“I truly believe he is in the best moment of his career and he has a lot of years at that level in front of him,” said Martínez.

“He will get better with games because he is a player who relies on his intelligence and the way he has been performing for us over two seasons has been impressive. For him to extend his stay is incredibly good news for us.”