Friday, 25th April, 2014
Roberto Martinez has revealed that Lacina Traore will not be fit to play for Everton again in the current campaign.
The striker, who joined the Toffees on a season-long loan deal from Monaco during the winter transfer window, picked up a hamstring injury while warming up for his side’s game against Chelsea in February.
And Martinez, who explained that the Ivory Coast international is unlikely to feature for Everton this season, feels the 23-year-old will be fully fit for the World Cup in the summer.
“I don't think we'll see Lacina again this season. It would be a surprise if he's fully fit before the Hull City game [on 11th May]”, the Spaniard told his club’s official site.
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"He's recovering well and clearly he'll be fully fit for the World Cup if he's considered for selection. But at the moment I think any games in this league campaign are going to be a little too early for him."
Martinez further added that Sylvain Distin, who sustained a hamstring injury against Manchester United at the weekend, will not be available for his side’s upcoming Premier League game versus Southampton tomorrow.
However, the manager is still not certain whether his side will receive the services of the defender this season.
“Sylvain Distin had to come off against Manchester United on Sunday and he won’t be fit for this weekend”, he added.
“It’s a little bit too early to know how long he is going to be out. It’s a soft tissue injury with his hamstring and I do feel that in the next 48 hours we will have a clearer idea of whether he is going to be available before the season ends.”
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