Everton's Kevin Mirallas, James McCarthy close to return

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that both Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy could be available for the Boxing Day encounter against Stoke City.

Attacker Mirallas suffered an ankle injury earlier this month, while midfielder McCarthy has been sidelined since late November with a hamstring complaint.

Both may feature against the Potters at Goodison Park, but if not, they will return against Newcastle United two days later.

"Kevin Mirallas has got a great chance to be involved over the next two games. We don't know yet if the Stoke game is going to be too early but he has an opportunity, which is fantastic news," Martinez told reporters.

"James McCarthy is very similar to Kevin. I do think he will be involved one way or another over the next two games."

Martinez also confirmed that Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman and Darron Gibson will miss both encounters with fitness concerns.