Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that Romelu Lukaku can handle the pressure of facing Chelsea on Wednesday.

Lukaku returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since joining Everton for a club-record fee in the summer, but Martinez believes that the Belgian will not allow the situation to have a negative impact on his performance.

"Big occasions always get big players excited," the Toffees boss told reporters. "Rom is a big player for us and he is well used to big events like the World Cup. Representing your country does not get any bigger than that.

"I think that going back to Stamford Bridge will be a game that he will look forward to until it starts.

"Then at kickoff it becomes a normal game and you focus on what you need to do to help the team."

Lukaku has scored seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season.

Written by
Callum Mulvihill