Monday 3 August 2015 06:15, UK
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says he is hopeful the ankle knocks John Stones and Kevin Mirallas picked up on Sunday will not prove a major concern.
The duo both had to be substituted during Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Villarreal in Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial match at Goodison Park.
Belgium international Mirallas went off five minutes before half-time while England defender Stones, the target of two failed transfer bids from Chelsea, was taken off with just under 20 minutes remaining.
The knocks are something of a worry for Everton fans ahead of next Saturday’s Premier League opener at home to Watford but Martinez did not seem too concerned after the match.
"We'll assess them in the next 48 hours," he said. "But I don't expect it to be anything too serious."
Sunday’s loss followed a 2-0 defeat to Leeds at Elland Road on Saturday but Martinez is pleased with his side’s preparations for the new campaign nonetheless.
He told Everton's official website: "It's been a very good pre-season for us.
"We've been working in three environments. The trips to Singapore and Scotland gave us a lot, and being able to work at Finch Farm has been very positive.
"I felt that this weekend stretched the squad to the maximum, so I could make decisions on young players. Following that, I'm delighted with the levels we have.
"Today was also important to see a couple of partnerships and I'm very clear on how we're going to play next Saturday."
Martinez has already signed Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu but he added that his summer transfer spending was not finished yet.
"We know we need two to three new players and we are going to make sure we get the right ones," he said.
"We are looking for that area (attack), the No 10 position, and I think we need a centre-half. The three areas are quite clear.”
