Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard 'to return to action within one week'

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that he expects goalkeeper Tim Howard to be fully fit within one week.

The USA international was ruled out for six weeks after suffering a calf injury against Stoke City on Boxing Day.

In this morning's press conference, Martinez claimed that Howard is getting stronger and is closing in on a return to the first team.

"Tim is back in training," the Spaniard told reporters. "He feels strong and ready but the medical advice is to give him another week to make sure he is fully healed.

"We won't take any risks, but it is incredible how quickly he has recovered and how well he has done in training."

Joel Robles has been standing in between the sticks during Howard's layoff.