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Injury Updates: Gibson, Alcaraz and Heitinga

Roberto Martinez provided updates on the condition of his injured players during his Thursday morning press conference, offering the first news of Darron Gibson following his surgery this week.

Gibson had an operation to mend a ruptured cruciate knee ligament on Tuesday, with Martinez describing the operation as “really successful”, and the Irishman will begin rehabilitation with the aim of returning before the end of the season.

Antolin Alcaraz, meanwhile, could be available for his first competitive Everton game after the next international break when Liverpool are the visitors in the first derby of the season. Alcaraz was signed in the summer after being released by Wigan but has been sidelined since pre-season by hernia, groin and hamstring problems.

Martinez also revealed defender Johnny Heitinga is a doubt for Saturday: “He has picked up a bit of a soft tissue problem in training, so he will be 50-50 for the weekend,” the Spaniard said.

Martinez reiterated his delight at having Steven Pienaar back fit and though he didn't directly confirm as such, the South African is expected to be fit enough to start against Aston Villa this weekend.  

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