Romelu Lukaku should be out for weeks rather than months

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has received a huge injury boost after it was confirmed the ankle injury he picked up in the Merseyside derby was not as bad as Roberto Martinez’s early diagnosis.

The 20 year-old left the field on a stretcher after colliding with his team mate Gareth Barry while defending a corner minutes after Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had opened the scoring in the first half.

In his post match comments Toffees boss Martinez revealed that he was fearful the forward, on loan from Chelsea, could potentially face months on the sidelines, with every precaution being taken and the youngster leaving Anfield in a cast.

However, Martinez has now confirmed that the Belgian frontman’s injury is not as serious as the initial concerns.

“There is no ligament damage and the injury is not as bad as we first thought. It will be a case of weeks rather than months,” he told Sky Sports.

Having grown reliant on Lukaku’s goals this season and with no immediate replacement within the squad, to lose the youngster for an extended period would have been a bitter blow for Everton, whose top four challenge is now in jeopardy having slipped to sixth place, four points behind their city rivals.