<
>

Romelu Lukaku a doubt for Everton's Premier League opener vs. Spurs

Romelu Lukaku is a doubt to face Tottenham in Everton's opening Premier League game, manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed.

Lukaku, 23, limped out of the Toffees' preseason friendly against Espnayol with a heel injury.

The Belgium international striker, who scored 25 goals last season, is yet to recover fully.

"Lukaku is doubtful because of the cut from the Espanyol game," Koeman said at a prematch news conference. "[Seamus] Coleman has a problem as well."

Koeman also confirmed he wanted to keep Lukaku at the club amid talk of a return to his former side Chelsea.

New signing Ashley Williams will not be fit to make his debut against Spurs but Koeman said he was happy to have acquired the Swansea and Wales captain.

He added: "We had to get a new defender and Ashley brings experience, leadership and he knows the Premier League, but he's not available for the weekend."