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Everton have been handed a boost with the news Kevin Mirallas should be fit for their festive fixtures despite him suffering an ankle injury on Monday.
The 27-year-old Belgium international midfielder looked set for a lengthy lay-off when he was carried off on a stretcher following a strong Jordon Mutch challenge towards the end of the Toffees' 3-1 Premier League win against Queens Park Rangers at Goodison Park.
However, despite admitting to being worried at the time of the incident, Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that the injury is not as bad as first feared.
And while Saturday's game against Southampton at St Mary's will come too soon, it is hoped that Mirallas will be back in action for the Boxing Day visit of Stoke City.
Martinez told his pre-Saints' game press conference on Thursday: "It was an incident when you felt there would be damage but the damage is the least it could be - it's great news.
"It's to the ligament in his ankle but he's a quick healer and I don't expect him to be out for too long - the game on Saturday is a bit too early but I wouldn't rule him out for any of the fixtures in the Christmas period which is fantastic news."
The good news on Mirallas comes on the back of Steven Naismith's decision to sign a new three-year deal at the club this week.
Martinez added: "I truly believe he is in the best moment of his career and he has a lot of years at that level in front of him.
"He will get better with games because he is a player who relies on his intelligence and the way he has been performing for us over two seasons has been impressive. For him to extend his stay is incredibly good news for us."
Everton, who are tenth in the Premier League and five points adrift of fifth-placed Southampton, are21/10to win at St Mary's on Saturday and9/4to secure a top-six finish again this season.
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