Roberto Martinez: ‘Gerard Deulofeu likely to miss Watford clash’

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Gerard Deulofeu is likely to miss Saturday’s meeting with Watford.

He’s magic, ya’ know?

Roberto Martinez has insisted Romelu Lukaku will be fit for the first 2015/16 Premier League match of the season against Watford. Deulofeu who recently joined the Toffees from Barcelona after a successful 2013-2014 loan spell at Goodison has fallen victim to the hamstring injury epidemic.

Martinez has confirmed that Gerard Deulofeu will not be present for the opening clash against the Hornets, with the Spaniard still suffering from the hamstring issue he picked up in the Barclays Asia Trophy final loss to Arsenal in Singapore.

He told Everton’s official website: “It’s been a very good pre-season for us”.

“He said: “[Deulofeu is] already working at 60%, so I don’t expect him to be too far away. “Maybe the weekend will be too early for him but he won’t be too far away from coming back”.

Everton also have doubts about another winger, Kevin Mirallas, and the England defender John Stones for Saturday’s opener after both were injured in Sunday’s testimonial match for former striker Duncan Ferguson against Villareal.