Everton are expected to be without key player Kevin Mirallas for close to two months and will miss important matches against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Everton manager, Roberto Martinez and his entire group will be saddened by the news of the winger’s long lay out.
Mirallas was involved in the Merseyside derby at the weekend but only played half an hour before tearing his hamstring while running towards the by-line.
Everton are already without English midfielder Ross Barley who has been ruled out since August and the latest injury may affect Everton in the Premier League race.
Roberto Martinez’s team performed well in 2013/2014 season and will hope to go one step better this season thus securing a champions league place.
It is a big race with at least seven teams involved and the recent acquisition of top players by Manchester United and other competitors may prove a stumbling block for Everton.
Mirallas’ injury is a huge blow to the team with few options to pick from for the manager as he hopes to inspire his team through this trying period.
The first test for Everton will be their trip to Old Trafford this weekend which will definitely test their ability to cope with the present injury worries.
Everton won the Red Devils the last time they met each other at the Goodison Park which led to the sacking of David Moyes from Manchester United.
Roberto Martinez will spend some time before the clash this weekend to get his selection right and will have to take advantage of Manchester United’s defensive problems.
Manchester United themselves have been struggling to cope with injuries at the back and Everton’s attackers must take advantage of that if they are to come away with any meaningful result on Sunday.
However Everton’s defence looks set to face United without any injury concern and will also hope to keep out the firepower of Angel Di Maria, Van Persie and Juan Mata.
The recent high scoring loss to Chelsea showed Everton is capable of scoring goals and the manager will hope his team can show that ability once again in the coming fixtures.
Roberto Martinez will hope his team can get through this period without any major challenge but it will be difficult to cope with the absence of both Mirallas and Barkley.
Although Naismith, Eto’o and Lukaku will be available for selection, the depth in the team is still lacking and some young players like Atsu will need to step up in a bid to help the team.
