Roberto Martinez explains Marouane Fellaini omission
Everton manager Roberto Martinez insisted Manchester United's interest in midfielder Marouane Fellaini had no bearing on his decision to leave him out of their friendly win over Real Betis.
The Belgium international sat out the 2-1 win over the La Liga side at Goodison Park but Martinez was keen to stress he had been rested ahead of his country's game with France on Wednesday.
"Marouane would have been available if it was a competitive game," said Martinez.
"He picked up a cut on the US tour. Bearing in mind he has to join the Belgium squad now - and in two days the infection will clear - I didn't want to risk hurting him."
As for Leighton Baines, Martinez is not expecting another bid for his left-back from Manchester United.
Speaking to Jim White on Sky Sports News' Transfer Centre on Sunday night, Martinez said: "We've had no approaches for any of our players. There was a previous approach that was well documented and well known for Leighton. That was a final offer, and that was done.
"I'll never go away from the fact that when people speak about the players at Everton, they've done well and it's a real compliment."
Everton midfielder Darron Gibson was forced off just before the break with a knee injury and Martinez confirmed they are waiting on confirmation of the extent of the problem.
"Darron is the only negative," added the Spaniard.
"We have been quite fortunate throughout pre-season not to pick up knocks and bruises, but in the warm-up he opened his knee slightly, so he's got a grade-one ligament problem.
"We'll have a clearer idea of it in the next 48 hours."
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