John Stones passed fit for Everton’s clash with Leicester while James McCarthy could return

1 John Stones

Everton will have John Stones fit to face Leicester on Saturday and Roberto Martinez might also be able to call on James McCarthy.

Stones suffered ankle and knee injuries during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Norwich at Carrow Road.

But there’s been no lasting damage and the young defender has been pencilled in to start against the Premier League leaders at Goodison Park.

“In the last two days John has been able to do his normal work,” Martinez said.

“He’s rejoined the group. There has been no reaction. He twisted his ankle in the warm-up at Norwich and then got a knock to his knee, but he’s had no effect from that – he’s in perfect condition for the weekend.”

Midfielder McCarthy, is battling to be fit for Saturday’s game having returned to training following a three-game absence due to a muscle problem.

“James McCarthy has started running on the pitch,” said Martinez.

“We will assess him today and tomorrow then make a final decision if he can be involved in the squad against Leicester. He’s not too far away. If it’s not Leicester, it will be one of the games around Boxing Day.”