Everton's Lukaku expected to be available vs. Southampton

Everton are hopeful injured striker Romelu Lukaku will be fit in time for the club's next match against Southampton.

Lukaku was forced to withdraw from the Belgian national team Monday after suffering a hamstring knock, but Everton boss Roberto Martinez is confident the striker will be ready for the match on April 4.

Martinez said Lukaku has already undergone a scan on the ligament and is receiving treatment with the Belgian medical staff until he returns to Merseyside. 

The injury is being blamed on the number of matches Everton have played, including their Europa League campaign where they were eliminated in the round of 16.

"We're quite positive because of the way Rom usually reacts to these types of treatments and how fit he is as an individual," Martinez said on the team's website.

"It's too early to say how long he's going to be out or if he's going to miss any games but he's concentrating on getting back fit to train with the group."

Lukaku was one of three players Martinez expressed optimism about, joining Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone as hopefuls for the Southampton encounter.

The Belgian international leads the team in scoring with eight goals through 30 matches.