Roberto Martinez is facing an injury crisis ahead of a fortnight that could potentially dictate his future at Everton.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Romelu Lukaku, Ross Barkley, Leighton Baines and Aaron Lennon are all doubtful for tomorrow’s game at Goodison Park.
Phil Jagielka and Tom Cleverley are already ruled out after injuries sustained at Vicarage Road on Saturday, in addition to James McCarthy who is suspended after receiving a red card.
We’re probably going to be in a position where young players will get opportunities, players who haven’t been involved will have an opportunity, because we’ve collected all or a sudden four or five knocks and the suspension of James McCarthy.
The under-fire manager may need to call upon the promising youth team to help guide his first team through a gruelling spell of five games in a mere two weeks.
Everton drew with Watford and Crystal Palace on Saturday and Wednesday respectively, and before the semi-final against Manchester United Martinez’s men have to face Southampton at Goodison and Liverpool at Anfield.
Phil Jagielka and Tom Cleverley are definitely out, while the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley have small knocks and could be rested as the Toffees battle their hectic schedule.
Martinez went on to say:
Romelu has been carrying a bit of a problem and we’ll assess him today to see if he can make the squad. It was against Palace – he stretched for the ball and felt his groin slightly. He didn’t train yesterday, but we’re hoping he can today.
Leighton Baines, Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon will be assessed after picking up knocks on Wednesday.
