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James McCarthy is on course to is return from injury against Liverpool this weekend, according to Everton boss Roberto Martinez.
The Toffees boss has moved quickly to quash speculation that the Republic of Ireland international had suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Martinez said of the former Wigan Athletic midfielder, who has not played since last month's game against Newcastle United: "He was in hospital on Wednesday having a scan to make sure he is fully recovered. The scans have shown that he is perfectly healed and now it is about adapting him to the match intensity.
"I expect James to be in the squad for the weekend so it is terrific news in that respect."
Meanwhile, veteran goalkeeper Tim Howard has returned to training but will not be rushed back to action from his calf injury.
Martinez said of the USA international shot-stopper: "We are going to assess him over the next two or three days but the medical advice is to give him another seven days before he is on a football pitch, so we will keep that in mind."
Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar will miss Saturday's Merseyside derby but deadline day signing Aaron Lennon will be in the squad.
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