Everton manager Roberto Martinez has dismissed the possibility of Kevin Mirallas leaving the club in the summer, insisting that the winger is a “very important player” for the Toffees.
A combination of injuries and a suspension, plus the manager preferring to pick others ahead of him, have led to the Belgian starting just three games this season, and two of those were Capital One Cup ties.
However, speaking to Sky Sports, Martinez responded to a question about stories suggesting that he could possibly allow the 28-year-old to leave in January.
It couldn’t be further from the truth. Kevin has been a very important player while I’ve been at the football club.
The start of the season has been challenging for him individually as he’s had a couple of niggles, a couple of injuries. Then he had the sending off, so he wasn’t available for three games.
Mirallas will obviously want an increased role in the side, especially as he is hoping to be part of the Belgium squad for Euro 2016, but Martinez said that the player has not sulked or been a bad influence despite his lack of playing time.
The way he’s been working in training has been very impressive. I think he’s improved as a footballer and it’s important for us that Kevin is fresher now going into the second half of the season, and we’ll get the benefit of that.
Kevin Mirallas is a very important player for Everton, he knows that, and all he wants now is to get important playing time, because the start of the season has been quite frustrating for him.
Mirallas only signed a new three-year contract extension in the summer, so if Everton do not want to sell him, there is no urgent need for them to do so.
