Everton relief with news Romelu Lukaku injury will keep him out for 'weeks rather than months'

The on-loan striker was taken off during the 4-0 drubbing being dished out by Liverpool

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku pictured receiving treatment during the Merseyside derby (GETTY IMAGES)

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku is likely to be out for “weeks rather than months” with an ankle injury.

Manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed the Belgium international did not sustain a serious injury in the 4-0 defeat in Tuesday night's Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Lukaku was carried off on a stretcher after colliding with team-mate Gareth Barry as they tried to prevent Steven Gerrard scoring the first goal in the 21st minute.

"There is no ligament damage and the injury is not as bad as we first thought," Martinez told evertonfc.com.

"It will be a case of weeks rather than months."

Lukaku has scored nine goals in 20 appearances since joining on loan from Chelsea in the summer.

He joins the likes of Bryan Oviedo (broken leg), Arouna Kone and Darron Gibson (both knee) and Seamus Coleman and Sylvain Distin (both hamstring) on the injury list.

PA

Related articles...

Liverpool show top four credentials with win over Everton

Liverpool eye 'major signing'

Police investigate missiles thrown at Suarez

Champions League place comes into focus for Rodgers

Everton wait on Lukaku injury

Sturridge says sorry