Chelsea transfer target Romelu Lukaku will be ready to play for Everton next weekend, according to Ronald Koeman.
Lukaku's future has been a constant source of speculation this summer and the 23-year-old missed the Toffees' opening day draw with Tottenham due to injury.
Standard Sport understands the Belgium international has his heart set on a return to Stamford Bridge with the Blues willing to offer £60m plus Loic Remy for his services.
But Koeman has insisted that Lukaku will feature for Everton when they travel to the Hawthorns to face West Brom on August 20 if the striker proves his fitness.
“He was already a doubt for today, but we had good hope that he was going to start," Koeman told his post-match press conference.
"He will be ready for next week. The player likes to play and if he is okay, he will start."
Koeman has previously admitted he cannot guarantee Lukaku will still be an Everton player next month but losing the striker so close to the end of the transfer window would come as a blow.
Everton have already received a huge windfall due to the sale of John Stones to Manchester City and while Lukaku's potential exit would swell the Merseyside club's coffers further, Koeman would be stretched to sign a suitable replacement.
Meanwhile, Koeman's side were unfortunate not to beat Spurs at Goodison Park this afternoon and the Dutchman believes his players laid down a psychological marker by holding off a late fightback from Mauricio Pochettino's men.
"We knew it would be difficult towards the end because they have really good players, scoring players. Of course they had two big opportunities
"It was important for us to keep the result, because it is also a mental question," he added.
