Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez Getty Images

Roberto Martinez has confirmed Tom Cleverley and Gareth Barry will be ready for Everton's FA Cup quarter-final match with Chelsea on Saturday (12 March) after the duo recovered from their respective illnesses. The Spanish boss also provided positive updates on the fitness status of Leighton Baines, Bryan Oviedo and Aaron Lennon, although the latter pair will need a late fitness test before its known if they are fit to face the Blues.

Cleverley and Barry were both doubts for the cup game, having struggled with chest infections in recent days. The former Manchester United midfielder missed the 3-2 loss to West Ham United last weekend, while Barry was only able to make a cameo role as a late sub.

However the duo have both trained during the week and Martinez has confirmed their availability for Saturday. Baines was also on the bench against the Hammers, but could make his first start in six weeks against Chelsea following an ongoing ankle issue.

"Leighton Baines seems to have reacted really well and the pain has eased off in his ankle," Martinez said in the press conference ahead of the game.

The veteran defender's return is a major boost to Martinez amid the possibility of Oviedo failing to recover in time, as he could fulfil the Costa Rican's duties in the left-back role. Oviedo has become the latest chest infection casualty at Goodison Park, entering hospital on Wednesday.

Martinez said: "Bryan was taken to the hospital with a chest infection. He has reacted really well and we hope that he is going to be back with us tomorrow [Friday]. We hope that he is going to have a speedy recovery. At the moment it is too early to tell [whether he can play against Chelsea]

"With a chest infection, we had something similar with Tom Cleverley and he missed the Aston Villa and West Ham games. Gareth Barry had something similar and he was able to play a little bit of a part against West Ham. Every player is different, depending how serious and how much that infection affects you.

Lennon is also a doubt for the game, after suffering a hamstring injury against West Ham that saw him substituted in the second half of the game.

"Aaron Lennon has been progressing well and we are going to make a decision later today whether he can be involved with the squad or not," Martinez revealed.

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