According to boss Roberto Martinez Everton’s starlet Ross Barkley could be out injured until January after picking up knee injury in training
On Friday Everton suffered the blow of losing talented young midfielder Ross Barkley to injury.
The 20-year-old picked-up an injury in training which initially was believed to be likely to sideline him for six to eight weeks.
Fears
However, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that the knee injury could be an even longer term one, with the Spaniard admitting he has seen players with similar injuries be out of action for up to five months.
Talented
Last season was Barkley’s breakthrough campaign as he started to fulfil his immense potential. His displays were impressive enough to earn him a spot in England’s ill-fated World Cup squad. He showed vast football intelligence, vision and superb feet at times for the Toffees.
This season was supposed to be the one where he kicked on and improved his game. However, it seems that the England international will spend much of his campaign kicking his heels in frustration.
Options
In the past an injury to such an important player may have completely wrecked Everton’s season, such was the lack of depth in their squad. This season the Toffees look to be slightly stronger squad wise though.
The attacking midfield role at Everton is arguably one of the Toffees strongest areas. Scotland international Steven Naismith played in the role in yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Leicester and got on the scoresheet.
The former-Rangers star is underrated. Last season he was regarded as more of a squad player, but he has a knack of scoring some vital goals. He works so hard for the team and is a clever footballer.
Last season he also struck up a good relationship with Everton’s now record signing Romelu Lukaku. The Scot played a key role in wins over the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal towards the end of the campaign.
It looks like the 27-year-old could play a bigger role for the Toffees this season. He made just 10 starts last season and came off the bench 18 times. With Barkley out injured Naismith could very well be given more opportunities to impress in the attacking midfield role behind man mountain Lukaku.
Lukaku’s international teammate Kevin Mirallas is also another option in the attacking midfield role. The versatile Mirallas can play on the wing, behind the striker and also in the number ten role.
Experienced
The Toffees also have two very experienced players capable of playing in the role in Steven Pienaar and Leon Osman. The veteran players have been reliable performers for the men from Merseyside in recent seasons.
Pienaar endured a difficult campaign with injuries last season, but when he is on form can be a joy to watch. His partnership with left-back Leighton Baines has been very productive over the last few seasons and the pair combined in Everton’s second goal in yesterday’s game.
The South African is a clever footballer and he looks ready to make up for lost time. Pienaar is very capable of filling the role, although his combination with Baines would be lost if he was moved into a central role.
Leon Osman is one of the most reliable players in the Everton squad. The midfielder always gives his all and much like Naismith is sometimes underrated. He has quick feet and a good football brain.
The veteran star has just enjoyed his testimonial at the club and is a player that does not always catch the eye, but can be very effective.
Missed
Ross Barkley will definitely be missed for the first few months of the season. His replacements may not have the same attributes as the explosive teenager, but they will should be able to give Everton enough quality to keep the Toffees ticking over until Barkley is fit enough to return to action.
Barkley has overcome serious injury in the past and hopefully when the youngster does return for the Toffees he can continue his development and continue to fulfil his potential.
Does Everton have enough depth to cope without Ross Barkley?
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