Ahead of Everton’s highly anticipated clash with Chelsea, Roberto Martinez has spoken to the media.
Stones going from strength to strength
All summer long, Roberto Martinez was adamant that John Stones would be an Everton once the transfer shut and it’s fitting that the Blues play Chelsea in their first game after the window closed.
Martinez has continually been asked about Stones and gave a similar response this time around. He said Stones is going from “strength to strength” during this period of “high pressure” and that Stones has played with “incredible maturity.”
The Everton boss also joked that he had been singing the new terrace chant of 'Money can’t buy you Stones', in the shower after the Toffees fans sung it all the way through the away game at Tottenham Hotspur.
Injuries and fitness
The Toffees boss also covered the injuries suffered by Bryan Oviedo, Brendan Galloway and Tom Cleverley. Oviedo is a doubt for the game against Chelsea and has seen a specialist regarding the numerous knocks he has taken since getting back fit.
Oviedo will face a late fitness test ahead of the game and will be assessed right up until Martinez names his team.
After suffering a patella tendon injury, Brendan Galloway could be back for the game but will face a late fitness test. Everton are without a fit, natural left back and it could thrust new signing Ramiro Funes Mori into an Everton debut at left back.
Tom Cleverley will be for around six to eight weeks after he suffered an injury in the game against Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder suffered ligament injuries but Martinez said he is “confident” that he will make a speedy recovery.
On the opposition, Chelsea
After a rough start to the season, Chelsea stand 13th in the league table and only have one win but Roberto Martinez says they are still a “very strong” team with the "right mentality."
Martinez says he is also expecting to face the same team that is "hitting the heights" of the team that comfortably won the league last season.
The Everton boss wants to ensure that his team don’t gift Chelsea any “momentum” and secure three points for his side.