LIVERPOOL -- Everton forward Kevin Mirallas could be fit for the Premier League match against Stoke on Dec. 26 after learning that his ankle injury is not as bad as was first feared.
Mirallas, 27, was carried off on a stretcher with ankle ligament damage towards the end of Monday's 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers after being on the receiving end of a challenge by Jordon Mutch.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez was worried initially that the Belgium international would be out for several weeks.
However, a scan has shown only minor damage, meaning that Mirallas has every chance of being involved in the club's Christmas fixtures, although he will not be available for Saturday's trip to Southampton.
Martinez told a news conference: "We have great news, because as you know, we were very worried after the game. It was an action where you feel that the ankle is definitely damaged.
"But the damage is the least it could be. So there's a bit of external ligament damage in his ankle. The way he is as a boy, he's a quick healer. I don't expect him to be out for too long.
"Obviously, the game on Saturday is a bit too early for him, but I wouldn't rule him out for any other fixtures over the Christmas period, which is fantastic news."
Martinez is also hopeful that midfielder Leon Osman will not need an operation on the ankle injury he sustained during the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Dec. 6.
He said: "Leon has been receiving treatment since the Manchester City game. He's had a specific programme and he's reacted really well.
"I do think he's going to be a real doubt for Saturday, but he's progressing well. We'll assess him day by day and get a clear picture of when he can come back. I don't expect him to be out for too long either.
"When we started to assess the problem, an operation was the worst-case scenario. But I think he's responded well enough to the treatment, and we're very hopeful he will be OK without an operation."
Martinez rates midfielders James McCarthy and Darron Gibson as "50-50" to return against a Southampton side who have lost their last five matches after making an impressive start to the season under Ronald Koeman.
McCarthy has been troubled with a hamstring problem for more than a month, while Gibson is set to resume full training on Thursday after recovering from a knee injury.
Martinez said: "Both are progressing well. Darron Gibson will be joining the group today. We'll assess him after that.
"James McCarthy is making good progress. Both will be assessed before the Southampton game. It's a bit of a 50-50 situation for both players for Saturday."