Darron Gibson, Arouna Kone to return this season

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that both Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone will return to first-team duties before the end of the current campaign.

The duo were initially expected to miss the remainder of the season after suffering long-term knee injuries late last year.

Martinez told the club's official website: "Gibson is progressing really well and I do feel he will be back before the season ends, something which is a real bonus. "Maybe it's too early to give clear date but I expect him to be playing again in May, which is just a credit to his hard work. "Arouna Kone will be very similar, I expect him to be involved before the season ends, which is a tremendous credit to the medical department as well."

Gibson has been out of action since sustaining cruciate ligament damage in the Republic of Ireland's 3-1 win over Kazakhstan in October, while his Ivorian teammate has been sidelined since the 2-1 victory over Hull City in the same month.