Yerry Mina hopes his recovery from a thigh injury could be quicker than first expected.
The Colombian defender was to be facing 'several' weeks on the sidelines but the ECHO has learnt that Mina is now targeting a return to training before the end of the month.
Mina, 25, is certain to miss the resumption of the Premier League which, for Everton, begins on June 20 with the derby against Liverpool.
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The defender suffered a partial tear of his left quad in training at the end of last week but is responding well to treatment and is hopeful that if his progress continues at the same rate then he could start working with the squad again in three-four weeks.
But Mina is expected to be sidelined for the season restarting later this month leaving Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti with Mason Holgate and Michael Keane has his only fit senior centre-halves.
