Everton manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed that James McCarthy and Sylvain Distin are close to returning to full fitness following their respective injury problems.
A trip to Doha for warm-weather training has allowed McCarthy to join his teammates in sessions after his recent struggles with a hamstring injury, while Distin could join the Irishman in making his comeback against Crystal Palace next weekend as he continues his recovery from an issue with his groin.
"Sylvain Distin and James McCarthy are really progressing a lot in this warm weather and that's really positive news," Martinez told Everton's official website. "They have both joined the group in training and have come through really well.
"I see James as being fully fit now but we will assess everybody before the Crystal Palace game.
"This week has allowed James to build up his fitness levels and I do expect him to be fully fit and ready for Crystal Palace."
Everton are currently 12th in the Premier League.
