Everton have been handed a big boost with the news that Romelu Lukaku has been passed fit to face Sunderland on Saturday (KO 3pm).
The Belgian superstar fired the Toffees to a 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light earlier this season, with an impressive treble adding to a scoring tally which now stands at 22 goals in 29 appearances for club and country during the current campaign.
Lukaku, 23, missed Everton’s trip to Dubai in order to focus on his recovery and he’s since returned to full training alongside his team-mates.
But despite the return of free-scoring striker, Ronald Koeman isn’t expecting an easy game at Goodison Park.
“It’s always difficult; they fight against relegation,” mused the Dutchman.
“In the last couple of days I watched the game against Southampton; they lost 4-0 but in the first 45 minutes they were the better team, so we need to prepare ourselves.”
He continued: “There are no easy games and if you take it too easy, are sloppy, then they will punish you, but we are full of confidence and we have to show it on the pitch.
“Romelu had a little calf problem but has been back in training for the last three days.
“McCarthy started this week training with the group and Kevin Mirallas as well.”