• Premier League

Martinez rules out defensive reinforcements

ESPN staff
October 30, 2014
John Stones was injured during Everton's defeat at Old Trafford © PA Photos
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Everton manager Roberto Martinez has ruled out a January move for defensive reinforcements despite a long-term injury to John Stones.

Stones is likely to be out until the New Year after being carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury during the 2-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester United on October 5.

But even without the 20-year-old, Martinez feels he has enough depth in the central defensive positions to see him through.

Asked if he might try to buy a centre-back in January, Martinez said: "No. As you can see, we've been performing really, really well defensively.

"The centre-half position is an area in which we are strong, with Phil Jagielka, Antolin Alcaraz, Sylvain Distin and Tyias Browning.

"I'm very happy with what we've got. We're making sure that we get John fit and ready for the second half of the season, which is not too far away."

Martinez expects midfielder Darron Gibson to be fit for Saturday's home match against Swansea despite an injury scare.

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill told the Irish Independent that he felt Gibson was a doubt for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow on November 14 after jarring his knee in training.

Martinez said: "Yesterday in training, he picked up a knock, but I don't think you can consider it an injury. We'll assess it today. I expect him to train today, so I don't think there's anything to worry about."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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