Defender John Stones has said he will return from his latest injury sooner rather than later.
The talented centre-back missed the defeat to Newcastle last time round after picking up a knock on his ankle in the game against Stoke City.
In an interview with the club's official website, he has revealed he is itching to return to action and help fix Everton's poor form.
"My ankle is good," he reported. "I did get a bit of a knock on it the other day which has aggravated it slightly," he said.
"I was gutted when I knew I wouldn't be going to the Newcastle game. It came as a bit of a shock as I had been out for so long, then I had got back into the team and then this happens. Hopefully it won't be too long and I will be back in the team."
The Blues take on Hull City on New Years Day looking to end a run of successive defeats that has seen them slip to 12th place in the Premier League. The team has struggled defensively so far this season and Stones admits the side will heave to be on top of their game to get a victory at the KC.
"We have to make sure we are defensively solid and play our game. As everyone has seen, we go away to anywhere and play the game we want to. We will go there with a positive attitude and hopefully they will fear us as we try and make them change their style to suit us."
What do you make of Stones' comments? Are you excited for him to return to the Everton first team? Share your thoughts in the comments below.