Lukaku back in training after ankle injury as Everton star targets West Ham return

By Sam Cunningham for the Daily Mail

Published: 06:03 EST, 18 February 2014 | Updated: 06:15 EST, 18 February 2014

Romelu Lukaku has returned to training just three weeks after being taken off on a stretcher during Everton’s defeat by Liverpool last month.

There were initial fears that the striker had damaged ligaments in his ankle and was facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

But he has made a swift recovery and confirmed on Tuesday morning that he was back in training for the first time.

I'm back! Romelu Lukaku is in training and targeting a return to action against West Ham

Lay-off: Lukaku has not played since January's Merseyside derby, which saw him carried off on a stretcher

Lukaku, on loan from Chelsea, now looks set to play a part in Everton’s bid for a place in Europe.

He is ineligible to face his parent club in Everton’s next match on Saturday, but is aiming for a return to action the following weekend when they play West Ham at Goodison Park.

The 20-year-old has already made it clear that he wants to be playing Champions League football next season.

That means the chances of him joining Everton permanently in the summer are slim, with the Merseyside club slipping off the pace at the top; five points behind Tottenham in fifth and eight away from Liverpool in fourth, albeit with a game in a hand.

But his future remains unclear, with suggestions that Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is prepared to let the Belgian international leave in the summer.

Plan of attack: Toffees manager Roberto Martinez will be delighted to have his star striker back in action

Flying: Lukaku has made it clear he wants to play Champions League football next season