Blow for Sunderland as three key Everton players set to return for Premier League clash

The Belgian striker, top scorer in the division with 16 goals, has been struggling with his calf and did not to Dubai for warm weather training during the international break. He has instead returned to his native country for treatment with a doctor he knows well.

Lukaku has eight goals in his last ten appearances across all competitions and has been a key part of the Blues' impressive run of form.

Koeman said: "We know that for 10 days Rom has had some problems with his calf,

"He has a lot of confidence in the Belgian doctor and I gave him permission to go to Belgium and recover.

“We expect him, normally, next Tuesday to be joining in the training session. He will be fit and available for the weekend.”

James McCarthy and Kevin Mirallas also missed the 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough last weekend but Koeman is expecting to be able to select both for the game at Goodison Park.

McCarthy is a player well known to North East football watchers, having been tracked by both Sunderland and Newcastle for some time.

Koeman said: "They are progressing well, we knew that they would not play in the friendly this Friday but next week, from Tuesday on, they will be available for all the training sessions.

“Normally they would be fit for the weekend of Sunderland.”

Winger Yannick Bolasie and defensive midfielder Muhamed Besic are both long-term concerns and will miss the game.