Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that captain Phil Jagielka is "well on track" to return to action following two months out with a knee injury.
The England international suffered the injury during Everton's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates on October 24.
In today's press conference, Martinez said that Jagielka is ahead of schedule with regards to his recovery.
"Phil Jagielka is well on track and is ahead of where he should be," Martinez told reporters. "We are looking at the period of games after the Stoke fixture."
After playing Stoke City on December 28, Everton will face Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Chelsea.