Koeman provides update on latest Lukaku injury

Matt Stead

Everton manager Ronald Koeman expects striker Romelu Lukaku to be training with the team again by early next week.

The Belgium international has not travelled with the squad to their Dubai training camp but instead visited a doctor in his homeland for treatment on a calf problem.

However, Koeman has no doubts Lukaku will be ready to rejoin the squad and play a full part on their return to Merseyside.

“We know that for 10 days Rom has had some problems with his calf,” Koeman told evertontv.

“He has a lot of confidence in the Belgian doctor and I gave him permission to go to Belgium and recover.

“We expect him, normally, next Tuesday to be joining in the training session. He will be fit and available for the weekend.”

Koeman also expects midfielder James McCarthy and forward Kevin Mirallas – who have travelled to Dubai – to also be back to full fitness next week after hamstring and groin complaints which forced them to miss the goalless draw at Middlesbrough.

“They are progressing well,” Koeman added.

“We knew that they would not play in the friendly this Friday but next week, from Tuesday on, they will be available for all the training sessions.

“Normally they would be fit for the weekend of Sunderland.”