LIVERPOOL -- Everton manager Roberto Martinez has said John Stones is close to making his comeback from injury after returning to training ahead of schedule.
Stones, 20, had been expected to be out until January after suffering ankle ligament damage during the 2-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester United on Oct. 5.
The England international was carried off on a stretcher and needed surgery, with Martinez initially ruling him out for up to 14 weeks.
But defender Stones has a chance of being involved when the Toffees host Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Monday, 10 weeks after his injury.
"He is ahead of schedule -- probably two or three weeks ahead, but I would expect that," Martinez said.
"He's such a quick healer, and he hasn't stopped for one second to try to win those small margins to get back early.
"He's trained once now with the team, and he came through that really, really well.
"Now it's just a case of making the right measurement as to how to allow him to be involved in a competitive game at the right time. We're really pleased with John's comeback."
Martinez believes Stones, who had established himself as a regular before his setback, will benefit from his enforced break.
"I know he probably didn't want to hear this, but I said to him that this is a perfect way to divide his season into two clear spells," he explained.
"I thought he started the season really well. Sometimes, at that age, it's difficult to maintain your level for 10 months.
"Now he's got a clear period from January until the end of the season to try to step up the level. He's ready to do that.
"He's a phenomenal character. We all know he's an impressive footballer, so it's great to have him fully fit and ready to participate."
Martinez will assess midfielders James McCarthy (hamstring) and Darron Gibson (knee) as well as forward Steven Naismith (hamstring), who have all missed recent games because of injury.
"We've got four players we're assessing for Monday -- they're James McCarthy, Steven Naismith, John Stones and Darron Gibson," he added.
"Those are the four names we're keeping an eye on to see if they're available for Monday or not.
"All four have different situations, but I feel all four have an opportunity to be involved, so it's good news."