​Everton prepare to welcome back injured skipper Jagielka

Everton captain Phil Jagielka is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury and could return before the end of the year.

The defender is potentially in line for a comeback against Stoke on December 28.

Martinez said: "Phil had very good news from the specialist yesterday and we are well on track - probably ahead of what we expected. Now we're going into the final period of 15 working days for him before he can join the group.

"Realistically we're talking about maybe that group of fixtures after Boxing Day - Stoke, Spurs at home - that seems very realistic for Phil to come back."