Tottenham's Eric Dier is not to blame for Tom Cleverley's injury, says Everton boss Roberto Martinez

Not to blame: Martinez has defended Dier's challenge on Cleverley
Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
Sam Long31 August 2015

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is adamant that Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier is not to blame for the injury that Tom Cleverley sustained at White Hart Lane on Saturday evening.

The England international was stretchered off during the first half of Spurs' 0-0 draw against Everton and is believed to have suffered damage to his ankle ligaments following a strong challenge from Dier.

Cleverley is awaiting the results of a scan to discover the extent of his injury - and the period of time he could face on the sidelines - but his manager has absolved Dier of any wrongdoing.

"It was an unfortunate action, when Eric Dier went with all the power and the strength of the world.

"He gets the ball and it's unfortunate that he gets Tom's leg, it wasn't malicious, it was a nothing challenge. It was very fair," Martinez insisted.

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

The Spaniard confessed that he is still in the dark in regards to the length of time that Cleverley could be out for but believes that it was the midfielder's level of fitness that helped him to avoid a more serious injury.

"We don't know (how long) yet. He'll be out for a period, but Tom is so fit, any other player would have broken his leg there.

"So maybe with a little bit shorter period he'll be back on the pitch," the 42-year-old said.

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Cleverley, who joined Everton from Manchester United on a free transfer this summer, had enjoyed an encouraging start to the campaign prior to the incident and Everton will be hopeful that he can return quicker than first feared.

Meanwhile, Saturday's draw has left Spurs languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table and Mauricio Pochettino's remain winless.

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