Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that he will make a late decision on the fitness of defender Phil Jagielka ahead of this weekend's match against Cardiff City.

The Merseyside outfit have been without the England international for their last two fixtures due to a hamstring injury.

While Martinez is determined to keep Jagielka fit for the rest of the season, the Spaniard has admitted that he is not considering the defender's World Cup prospects.

"Phil is recovering well and we will make a really late decision on him at the weekend to make sure he is fit until end of the season," BBC Sport quotes Martinez as saying. "The World Cup has no effect whatsoever on my thinking."

Everton are seventh in the Premier League table with 11 games left to play.