Pienaar may have to wait before making comeback – Liverpool Daily Post

15 Oct 2013 21:00

Steven Pienaar in action for Everton

Steven Pienaar may be made to wait for his Everton FC return with Roberto Martinez refusing to rush the midfielder back into action.

Pienaar has been sidelined since the goalless draw at Cardiff City at the end of August having suffered a hamstring injury.

The South African had been expected to be available on Saturday when the Goodison outfit resume Premier League hostilities at home to Hull City.

But Everton manager Martinez will resist the temptation to throw Pienaar back into the fray until the 31-year-old is fully recovered.

“Probably Saturday is a little bit too early but I don’t think he is going to be away for too long now,” said the Spaniard.

“All the signs have been positive but we have to be careful we don’t push him too early.”

Antolin Alcaraz, a free summer signing from Wigan Athletic, is another player to have been sidelined and is still awaiting his debut following a hernia operation.

“Steven Pienaar and Antolin Alcaraz have made huge progress and they are developing really well,” added Martinez, who has been working with a reduced squad during the international break.

“We have eight players working every day and making sure they use this period as needed: some players need a bit of work, others need a bit of regeneration time and that has been really pleasing.

“On the other side you can look at the games and prepare the next period we have until the next international break but it has been very positive for everyone at the club.”

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Meanwhile, Martinez has hailed Seamus Coleman after the right-back reached another landmark in his career.

With regular skipper Robbie Keane injured, Coleman was handed the armband by caretaker manager Noel King on his 25th birthday for the Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Germany last Friday.

And Martinez believes it is deserved reward for the defender’s improving displays.

“You have to remember that Seamus has been a very consistent performer, both for Everton and Ireland,” said the Everton manager.

“He took the armband against Wales (last month) but to start the game leading your team out is a proud moment. And he deserves that.

“I think it tells you a lot about the perception of him in the Irish camp and what they think of him.

“An interim manager has come in and every decision is under huge scrutiny, so I think it was a really significant moment that Seamus was allowed to lead the team out on his birthday and captain his country. 

“We are pleased for him, proud for him and we want it to be one of the many successful memories and stories that he is going to have in his career.”

Martinez added: “I think he has grown from a good youngster to a very important player. I think he takes that into the national side as well.

“He is a well-respected figure and someone who has got high values towards the way he takes his profession. 

“Those are attributes that you look for in a leader and a captain, so it was a very significant moment and something that I’m sure will help him mature to become an even stronger character coming back to Everton.”