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Premier League: Tim Howard set to return for Everton at Chelsea

Image: Tim Howard: Everton goalkeeper fully fit again

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard is set to make his comeback in Wednesday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Howard has not yet featured since suffering a calf problem during the 1-0 Boxing Day defeat to Stoke at Goodison Park.

However, the 35-year-old United States international is now back in training and poised to return against the Premier League leaders despite the fine form of his deputy Joel Robles, who has kept clean sheets in his last three games, including Saturday's Merseyside derby.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez said: "Tim has been working really well. He trained well on Monday, so I expect that he is fully fit now for any sort of games.

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"Whenever Tim is fit, he is our number one, with the experience he has and what he represents in the squad. I have total faith in him and it is great to see him fit and training again and having a massive influence in our squad.

"The goalkeeping position is different to any outfield one - I do feel the outfield positions are more about moments of form, ways of playing against the opposition, different ways of approaching games.

"But in goal, I think you need a bit of stability. Joel has been really good - I have been so pleased with his last two performances.

"I think the clean sheets against Crystal Palace and Liverpool have shown the size of the goalkeeper we have.

"He is still a young man in terms of amount of games, but he is someone with a real good future. I have been so proud of his performances."

Seamus Coleman continues to be linked with a big-money summer move to Manchester United, with former Old Trafford full-back Dennis Irwin saying the 26-year-old should consider leaving Goodison Park.

But Martinez says that Coleman can continue on his trajectory to 'world class' at Everton. 

He (Irwin) is making a judgement about a player who is very important for us," he said.

"I still think Seamus Coleman can develop and progress with Everton.

"At the moment he is enjoying his football, I think he has an important role in our side and I think this is the best place for him to develop and fulfil his potential.

"He is a world-class footballer in the way he performed last season."

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