Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Steven Pienaar is making good progress in his bid to return to action this season.

Pienaar has been on the sidelines since suffering an injury to his knee cartilage in early March, but Martinez believes that he can be optimistic about the chances of having the South African back in his squad in the near future.

"Stevie is doing well," Martinez told the club's official website. "Obviously it was a real setback to lose him.

"I'm hopeful that we can see Stevie before the season ends and that is where the focus goes.

"But he's been lively and has been working well. It is going to be really positive for us if we can get him back before the season ends."

Everton continue their bid to qualify for the Champions League by hosting Arsenal at Goodison Park on Sunday.