Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Ross Barkley's recovery from a knee injury is progressing faster than the club originally planned.
There were concerns that the England international would not play again until the New Year after suffering a knee ligament injury before the start of the season.
However, Martinez has suggested that the midfielder, who featured in England's failed World Cup campaign in the summer, could return within the next month.
"Ross is still receiving treatment and is progressing well," Martinez said in his weekly press conference. "He's in week four, and half way through his recovery period now.
"He's a couple of weeks ahead of where we expected him to be and that's good news."
Everton are yet to win a game in the Premier League this season following two draws and a defeat.
