Mixed news on the injury front ahead of Chelsea match

Roberto Martinez had some good and some bad news when it came to the fitness of his squad ahead of this weekend's game against Chelsea.

The Spaniard confirmed that Tom Cleverley is likely to be out for between six and eight weeks with ankle ligament damage suffered against Tottenham a fortnight ago. However, Martinez feels that was the best case scenario given players have suffered bone fractures after similar tackles in the past.

The left-back position remains an issue with Leighton Baines out until December. Bryan Oviedo will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness after pulling out of the Costa Rica squad with a minor knee injury.

Brendan Galloway is expected to be fit after a knee injury of his own, though Martinez has already confirmed that he has no qualms about handing new signing Ramiro Funes Mori a debut at left-back if required.

Speaking at his pre-Chelsea press conference, Martinez said:

"The scans revealed it was no fracture and it was only ligament damage and although it will be a long period it is not as bad as feared. With ligament damage you could expect six to eight weeks but knowing how strong and fit Tom is we’re looking at six weeks."

"Bryan Oviedo will be assessed up until kick off. He had a laxity in his medial ligament, and we need to assess it. The specialist had a look, and over the next 48 hours we will find out if the game is too early.

"Brendan Galloway is fully fit and has been training with the group really well, and obviously Ramires can play there (left back) too.

"Everyone who went away on international duty has come back in good shape. The only two to be assessed this morning are Tim Howard and Ramiro Funes Mori, who have not trained with the group yet after arriving back. Everyone else is fine."

Martinez also confirmed that Aaron Lennon is in contention to make his second debut for the club at Goodison Park.

Lennon was frozen out at Tottenham over the summer so hasn't played a competitive game since Everton's win at West Ham on May 16.

However, the Everton boss has no qualms about pitching the winger straight into the firs-team against Jose Mourinho's side.

"Aaron has been working really well in pre-season, he's fully fit and looks fresh and I've been very impressed with how strong he looks.

"I feel that he's ready to play. How long, will depend on the game, but he is ready to be in the squad."