Considered by many to be the answer to England’s problem at the playmaker role, Ross Barkley looked ready to further improve his star status in the 2014/2015 season. His injury which could sideline him for months is an unfortunate one, not just for the Toffees but the entire league and the Three Lions too.
After a disappointing 2-2 draw at Leicester City on Saturday, Roberto Martinez is under even more pressure to deliver a result against Arsenal at the weekend. However, the Spaniard was coy on the prospect of bringing in a replacement for Barkley this week. He does point out that even with the idea of a grueling European schedule, Everton have enough depth to cope with the loss of such a scintillating player.
Martinez admitted that Everton cannot replace Ross Barkley, and he’s absolutely right. I say that because Barkley has such high value and given the club's commitments to both him and Romelu Lukaku, I can’t imagine the Toffees spending anymore money this summer.
Thus, other players will take their turn stepping into the 20-year old’s shoes in the attacking midfield. Leon Osman has been a loyal servant to the Merseyside club, but Steven Pienaar, Steven Naismith, and Kevin Mirallas will platoon the position as well. As I wrote the other day, Muhamed Besic has yet to feature for the club and may very well be an excellent replacement.
At the weekend, Everton will host a sluggish-looking Arsenal. The Gunners haven’t impressed since their 3-0 romp of Manchester City in the Community Shield, but Mesut Ozil will likely return to the lineup. In his first appearance, whether it be off the bench or in a starting role, I don’t expect the German to be at his best, but the prospect of him joining the Arsenal attack is scary for Everton and will boost the performances of his teammates.
James McCarthy and Gareth Barry must put in a good shift in the defensive midfield if they are to slow down the creative players for Arsenal. Per Mertesacker could also return for Arsenal, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the impressive Calum Chambers features again alongside Laurent Koscielny.
Some may look to this fixture as a must-win for both teams, but I would argue it is more of a must-win for Arsenal. Arsenal have to establish confidence against good teams this early in the season, while Everton are under much less pressure to deliver a title-challenging campaign.
Long-term, I wouldn’t worry too much about Everton. Roberto Martinez’ reputation precedes itself, and this is a good enough team to the point where losing one player, albeit their best player, won’t bring them down. Seamus Coleman will probably be fit for the Arsenal game, a big boost for a club in need of one.
Martinez has shown he is adept at overcoming challenges, and even with the absence of Barkley they should be able to create chances and defend well like they always do. Lukaku will be fit soon, while Everton can always count on loyal performers at the back like Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin, Phil Jagielka, and Tim Howard.
If Everton were to not pick up three points against Arsenal, it would be far from the end of the world. Away to a newly-promoted club and home against a top four club is never an easy tandem of fixtures to begin a season with, but the schedule lightens for the Merseyside club in the coming weeks. Under the pragmatic Roberto Martinez, Everton should be fine with the vacancy left by Ross Barkley.
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