Roberto Martinez has revealed that Antolin Alcaraz could return to action with Everton in three weeks after it was decided that he does not need shoulder surgery.
The defender suffered a dislocated shoulder during last weekend's goalless draw with Swansea City, leading to fears that he could miss up to three months.
However, the manager told reporters at his pre-match press conference: "We decided not to go through surgery. I think the specialist feels that is the best way to approach the injury, which is great news, it reduces the period that Antolin is going to be out for.
"We will find out over the next few days how he responds, but probably now we are talking three, four, five weeks maximum, which is fantastic news given what we feared earlier."
Everton face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend.
