Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 9y

Everton face anxious wait over Kevin Mirallas injury

LIVERPOOL -- Kevin Mirallas will have a scan on his ankle on Tuesday as Everton wait to discover the extent of the winger's injury.

The Belgian scored their second goal in a 3-1 win over QPR but was stretchered off after a challenge from Rangers midfielder Jordon Mutch, and manager Roberto Martinez is hoping Mirallas will not face an extended spell on the sidelines.

He said in his news conference: "It is clear damage in his ankle. I don't know if it is going to be ligament damage or something else. We are going to scan it in the morning. It has swollen already which is a good sign."

Martinez praised Ross Barkley, who scored the opening goal with a spectacular strike, for his performance in a deeper role on a day when Everton were without four other central midfielders.

"Ross Barkley was a joy to watch," he added. "The way he finishes from outside the box was exceptional. He deserves that sort of outcome.

"We had to cope with having four central midfielders missing: Leon Osman, Gareth Barry, Darron Gibson and James McCarthy. That allowed Mohamed Besic and Ross Barkley to have a partnership that is very strong. The future these two footballers have is immense."

Everton had failed to win in their previous four games and Martinez was pleased to record just a third league success at Goodison Park this season.

He said: "It is a very important victory after the disappointment we had at Manchester City. In football it is important to get momentum and confidence. The quality in front of goal was devastating."

^ Back to Top ^