Everton manager Roberto Martinez says Phil Jagielka will soon return from injury – but he is more than happy with his replacement in the Toffees backline.
The Blues welcome Crystal Palace to Goodison Park on Wednesday evening, but as his side chase a top-four finish, the Spaniard revealed the match will come too soon for the England defender as he returns from a hamstring problem.
He said: "Phil is very much fully fit from a medical point of view. He's not too far away and he's been working really well this week. But, at the moment, we have the same squad as we had at Sunderland.”
John Stones has won praise from his manager
However, with four crucial fixtures coming soon after the midweek clash with the Eagles, Martinez is looking forward to having his skipper back to lead his side into battle.
Speaking to EvertonFC.com, he added: "Phil is our club captain and as soon as he's ready he'll go straight back into the team. We need him immensely. He's been very much influential, even when he hasn't been on the pitch.
"He's always had a real presence in the dressing room and had plenty of wise words of advice for the young players in the squad. He's our club captain and we need him on the pitch as soon as he can be."
Since Jagielka was sidelined, England Under-21 regular John Stones has stepped in to deputise for their last eight games, and Martinez added that the form of the teenager will give him a luxury of options upon Jagielka’s return.
"That's the type of decision you want as a manager," he added. "You can never have enough players or players in good moments of form.
"John Stones has been phenomenal. I don't think his position in the team is going to be based on other players coming back or not. It's going to be based on how he feels and how his body is coping with this new experience.”
