Injuries affect every team at some stage of the season and Everton have suffered their fair share this season. Roberto Martinez has never used this as an excuse, it could be deemed a feeble one after all, but he will be much more confident of challenging for a European spot with a couple of players returning from the treatment table. Seamus Coleman and Gerard Deulofeu returned to the fold against Tottenham, having both been in fine form before their respective injuries. For Coleman, it was as if he had never been away as he marauded down the Everton right with the attacking intent that has caught the eye this season. John Stones has filled in at right back and is a fantastic prospect for the future and although he looks solid defensively, he does not offer the same options going forward. Martinez will have been delighted to welcome Deulofeu back to the fold aswell, although he may be handled with slightly more care, with the likes of McGeady and Mirallas offering ample cover in the wide positions. As mentioned previously, Lacina Traore is itching to make his debut, while Romelu Lukaku may only be a couple of weeks away from a return. Former Wigan men Arouna Kone and Antolin Alcaraz have had unfortunate starts to their Everton careers, with Kone ruled out for the season having made only a handful of appearances and Alcaraz suffering a number of setbacks which bring his long term fitness into question. Leighton Baines and Ross Barkley have been key performers for the Blues this season and both appear to have recovered from their respective toe injuries but Martinez can not afford for players of this ilk to be missing between now and the end of the season, with a European spot to chase via the league and FA Cup.
I am an Evertonian originating from Yorkshire and living in Bedfordshire. I have always had an obsession with football and a passion for writing and I am keen to get started in the world of football journalism. I hope that my writing entertains you all and leaves you thirsty for more!
