Roberto Martinez: 'We can cope with John Stones absence'

Everton boss Roberto Martinez is confident that his side can cope with the absence of defender John Stones.

The England international has been ruled out for up to 14 weeks with an ankle ligament injury, and although the Spaniard has admitted that the loss is a blow, he feels that it will give other players in his squad a chance to shine.

He told the club's official website: "We want to see John reaching that level again. We know John will come back stronger and as a better player going into the second part of the season.

"But Antolin Alcaraz is working well and so is Tyias Browning, who can play that position.

"We've got another two young players who have been doing really well. I don't want to lose any players who are doing well but injuries are part of the game."

Everton are 17th in the Premier League after seven matches this season.