Steven Pienaar and Seamus Coleman face late fitness tests to determine if they’re fit enough to play in Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
Roberto Martinez also considers Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson to be ‘fully fit’, but admitted Arouna Kone needs a few competitive minutes under his belt.
Martinez: “Steven Pienaar is recovering really well and we are going to assess him over the next few days”
“It’s the same with Seamus. Both are in the same situation where it is too early to tell if they are going to be fit for the weekend.”
“I consider Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson fully fit after getting through the game on Tuesday,” Martinez continued. “Arouna Kone will be fully fit after he can play a few minutes on the pitch, which he couldn’t get on Tuesday.”
“Ross Barkley is recovering quicker than we thought but it is still in the early stages. We can’t rush it. Even when you feel right, medicine always wants one day more.”