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Pre-season Friendlies

Aug 6, 2016 at 3pm UK

Everton
0-1
Espanyol

FT(HT: 0-1)

Baptistao (4' pen.)

Reaction

Football

Ronald Koeman plays down Romelu Lukaku injury

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 August 2016

Everton boss Ronald Koeman expects Romelu Lukaku to be fit in time for the new season despite needing stitches in his heel following the pre-season defeat to Espanyol.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has played down the injury suffered by Romelu Lukaku during his side's pre-season game against Espanyol.

The Belgian was forced off during the Toffees' 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park due to an injury to his heel.

However, Koeman insists that it is "nothing serious" and expects the striker to be fit in time for Saturday's Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur.

"Yes, it is his heel. There was a lot of blood on his ankle and he had three stitches," he told reporters.

The Dutchman also talked up the importance of having Phil Jagielka back in the side after a hamstring injury.

"It was very good to have Phil Jagielka back in the squad," he added.

"If you miss two or three weeks of preseason then it's difficult but experienced players know the game and he showed a good mentality and performance today."

Everton failed to win any of their last four pre-season games heading into the new season.