Roberto Martinez believes Everton are missing the experience of the suspended Gareth Barry.
The veteran midfielder has been forced to watch on from the sidelines for the Blues’ last two games after he was dismissed in the FA Cup quarter-final win over Chelsea.
In his absence, the Goodison Park outfit have slumped to successive league defeats against Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
And ahead of his anticipated return for this weekend’s trip to Watford, Martinez admitted that Barry’s loss has been sorely felt.
He said: “I don’t think we cope with not having Gareth Barry around.
“We are a team that probably needs that direction. We’ve got outstanding footballers and outstanding young talent.
“But we need that guidance and experienced head, and we haven’t been able to cope without Gareth Barry.”