Everton Team News: Martinez Could Be Without 5 Key Players For Man Utd Clash

Everton will look to book their place in the FA Cup final when they take on Manchester United in their semi-final clash at Wembley on Saturday evening.

Ahead of the game, Roberto Martinez, has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference today and he’s given Evertonfc.com a team news and injury update.

Unfortunately the Toffees boss confirmed a huge injury blow with Seamus Coleman once again ruled out after failing to recover from a hamstring injury that kept him out of Wednesday’s disappointing Merseyside Derby defeat at Liverpool.

And Coleman might not be the only player to miss the show piece event at Wembley as Martinez also confirmed that Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry and John Stones will all face late fitness tests.

Stones was forced off during the second half at Anfield with illness but the Blues boss is hopeful the young defender will be passed fit tomorrow while Barry was also taken off in midweek with a groin problem.

Jagielka on the other hand is nursing a hamstring injury which has kept him out of the last three games but Martinez is less confident about his involvement against United, although he confirmed the centre-back will do all he can to make it.

With defender Ramiro Funes Mori certain to miss out as he starts a three-game ban following his dismissal against Liverpool, Everton could be without five key players this weekend.

It isn’t all bad news though as Martinez also revealed that Aaron Lennon, Leighton Baines and Tom Cleverley all came through the Liverpool match unscathed while youngster Matthew Pennington will be in the squad after being recalled from his loan at Walsall.

Martinez told Everton’s official website:

“Seamus Coleman will be missing for the semi-final and we’re going to have late fitness tests for Jagielka, Barry and Stones,”

“I’m quite positive about John but it’s hard to tell with Phil.

“Medically, I wouldn’t expect Phil to be fit, that’s the truth. But, knowing Phil, he wants to try everything possible to be available, so we’re not going to say, ‘No’, and it makes sense to keep monitoring him for as long as he can.”

“We have recalled Matthew and obviously he will be a part of the squad. Aaron, Leighton and Tom all came through Wednesday okay and should be fine, so otherwise the squad is looking similar to what it already was.”

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Everton will be hoping that Stones, Jagielka and Barry come through the fitness tests as they desperately need their key players available as they look to bounce back from Wednesday’s disastrous 4-0 defeat at Liverpool.