Everton have recalled Matthew Pennington in a bid to arrest their injury crisis ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final.
Roberto Martinez was without Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman for Wednesday’s 4-0 thrashing by Liverpool in the 226th Merseyside derby and saw Gareth Barry join that growing casualty list.
A mindless sending-off for Ramiro Funes Mori worsened matters in the build-up to the semi-final showdown with Manchester United.
The Argentine’s absence through suspension leaves John Stones as Everton’s only available centre-back for the Wembley clash, with midfielders James McCarthy and Muhamed Besic plugged into emergency action as auxiliary centre-halves at Anfield.
But Everton boss Martinez will look to fill the defensive void by recalling Pennington, who made his full debut in August’s Captial One Cup win at Barnsley, from what has been a productive loan spell with League One promotion chasers Walsall.
The 21-year-old was named Coventry City’s Young Player of the Year last season and has enjoyed a similarly fruitful spell at the Bescot Stadium this term.
Speaking after Walsall’s game with Southend last weeked, manager John Whitney said: “I thought Matty handled Southend’s Tyrone Barnett fantastically well on Saturday and showed great maturity.
“You can see why Everton think so highly of him.
“He’s a winner and has actually brought even more enthusiasm to the team.
“That’s why we’ve accepted him because it’s like he’s always been our player.”