Barkley set for another scan as Martinez plays down injury

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has sought to calm fears over Ross Barkley's injury as the club continue to assess the midfielder's stricken knee.

Barkley sustained a medial knee ligament injury in training last week with Martinez stating ahead of the weekend game with Leicester that the England international could miss anything between five weeks and five months of action.

The Spaniard has since clarified those comments, though the diagnosis is still relatively serious. Barkley is going to be out for at least six weeks, though Martinez insists it should not be serious enough to keep him out until the new year.

The 21-year-old's knee is still swollen so the medical team are unable to offer a full diagnosis. It is hoped a scan later this week once the swelling has subsided will offer a more accurate picture.

Martinez said:

"No, no, it is not an injury that will rule him out for the year.

"We are going to be expecting the next set of scans on Wednesday and Thursday to make sure the inflammation is not in the knee.

"Medial-ligament injuries can go from six weeks to a longer period but in this case it is not an injury that will rule him out of the season.

"Injuries and suspensions are part of the game. I don’t see that as a major advantage or disadvantage, we all share the same problems.

"It is important that we get Ross Barkley back fully fit as quickly as we can because September is going to be a very busy month and without Ross it is going to put more pressure and strains on other players."