12 Feb 2014 07:56
Ivory Coast striker likely to play some part – though unlikely to start the game
LONDON, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 9, 2014: Everton’s substitute Lacina Traore on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur during the Premiership match at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Lacina Traore is in line to make his Everton debut against Crystal Palace tonight but is unlikely to start the game, according to Roberto Martinez.
The Ivory Coast striker was an unused substitute at Spurs on Sunday having only just recovered from a hamstring problem.
Although the 23-year-old is fit enough to figure, Martinez is treating his new acquisition carefully.
He said: “He is progressing really well. I didn’t expect him to be available just yet but he is. It’s just a case of getting him that match fitness to avoid any sort of risk.
“He is not far off. I think he will be involved somehow but I don’t think he’s ready to play 90 minutes yet.”
Romelu Lukaku is recovering well from his ankle problem but is set to be out for another week, but Antolin Alcaraz is fit again.
It means that aside from the Belgian striker, Everton’s only absentees for the visit of the Eagles will be Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone and Darron Gibson.
Lukaku had been recovering in Belgium but is now back on Merseyside and zeroing in on a return. He may be fit for a game he can’t play in, when Everton visit Chelsea on February 22, so must wait until March 1 when the Toffees host West Ham.
Martinez added: “We have had real positive news on Romelu, he is back with us and is going to be ready very soon, if it’s not this weekend it will be next weekend.
“He has come back refreshed and desperate to enjoy his football once more.
“Antolin is training with the group and should be fully fit for the West Ham game.”
Support us and save cash at the same time. Click to buy Everton kit.