Martinez: Lacina has been sharp in training
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that giant Ivorian striker Lacina Traore is in contention to play against Swansea City in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The 6 ft 8 in striker was signed from AS Monacoin January, but was suffering with a hamstring injury and hadn’t played for a while, but Martinez feels that the cancelled mid-week match against Crystal Palace has given Traore time to settle in and get together with the squad.
“He’s getting there. He’s been working really well and benefitted from these extra days from an individual’s point of view,” Martinez said at his Friday press conference.
“Lacina has been sharp in training and has surprised everyone in the medical department at how quickly he has got his fitness levels high for the competition.
“We have to make sure there is no risk for him to participate but, clearly, there is a good opportunity for him to be involved on Sunday in one way or another.”
He added: “We are exactly the same as we were on Wednesday in terms of numbers. We have the same squad, with the three long-term absentees.
“Bryan Oviedo has been around the players and is recovering well. Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone are still out, while Antolin Alcaraz will miss the weekend but is nearly ready. Romelu Lukaku is very similar.”
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I don’t care if it’s the tea lady, anyone’s going to be better than Naismith.