Problems mount for Martinez

After seeing his side suffer a 4-0 thrashing in the Merseyside derby, Roberto Martinez must somehow lift his Everton players for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

But problems are mounting up for the Spaniard and preparation time for the Wembley showpiece is limited.

From injuries and bans to poor form and pressure, we take a look at the challenge Martinez and Everton are facing…  

Selection dilemma

After resting players against Southampton last weekend, Martinez made six changes to his first team for the trip to Anfield, in a desperate bid to grab a confidence-boosting result. However, the move spectacularly back-fired, with Everton crushed by their rivals and now set to be without several key first-team players for Saturday’s semi-final.

Gareth Barry was forced out at half-time with a groin problem and Martinez says the midfielder is “very doubtful” to face Manchester United. Ramiro Funes Mori will also be missing through suspension, following his straight red card for an ugly challenge on Divock Origi.

There are question marks, too, over the health of John Stones, who was substituted in the second half with stomach cramps, and fellow defenders Phil Jagielka and Seamus Coleman, who both missed the derby with hamstring problems.

With Funes Mori, Stones, Jagielka and Coleman out, Martinez would be left with only Leighton Baines available from his regular senior defenders.     

Defensive problems

Even if the likes of Stones and Jagielka pull through to play on Saturday, Martinez still has serious defensive issues to address.

Everton’s poor defending at Goodison Park …

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