Strike duo to be assessed at Finch Farm

, 22 March, 39comments  |  Jump to most recent
Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone will both undergo scans on their respective injuries that forced them off in the second half of the 2-1 win at QPR.

Lukaku pulled up feeling the back of his upper leg midway through the second half at Loftus Road and was replaced by Ross Barkley no long afterwards, while Kone came off 12 minutes from time after being injured in the final stage of the move that saw Aaron Lennon fire home the winner.

“Arouna Kone is the one that we are a little more worried about," said Roberto Martinez after the game. "He is going to have a scan on his knee in the next 48 hours. In the action of the goal, he got a really strong knock.

“Romelu Lukaku, I hope that it only fatigue with the amount of games that he has played. We hope it is just cramp rather than an injury. We will find out more about that before he joins up with Belgium.”  



Reader Comments (39)

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Terry Murphy
1 Posted 23/03/2015 at 00:41:53
Am I the only one who doesn't want to see Rom till next season? Wrap him in cotton-wool and take him out of the shop window.
Gavin Johnson
2 Posted 23/03/2015 at 00:45:40
Terry, I agree. He's one player we need to keep. We need to get someone like Austin, who won't cost the earth to play alongside him next season.

We can say that Mirralas is as good as gone. The only big names I'd sacrifice would be Baines, because he's a luxury, when we've got two other very good left-sided fullbacks and we could still get a decent fee for him. And maybe Coleman, but that's based on the fact that I think they're be big clubs coming in and I suspect his heads been turned. I hope not, but if it has. A 20-25m fee would offset that for me.

I'd also let Howard go for a nominal fee if we could sign Begovic who's out of contract this summer. We really do need a good CB and GK.

Victor Jones
3 Posted 23/03/2015 at 00:50:51
The injuries don't sound to serious, hopefully. Just shows how light we are up front, should those two get injured. In fact we are light all over the pitch. Goalkeepers, centre backs, midfielders, wingers and now forwards. Martinez has IMO added very little to this squad. And their fitness levels are a joke.
Patrick Murphy
4 Posted 23/03/2015 at 00:57:13
I still think Baines offers Everton a lot and would not gamble on Garbutt for a whole campaign. As for resting Romelu I can see the sense in that but when you consider the amount of money each place in the league represents, I don't think that will happen, besides which, will he want to stay with us with no European football and let's be honest his reputation has been made on that stage already this season.

Everything really depends upon whether Roberto is the manager and how much money is in the pot for the summer transfers - whoever is the boss has to be able to replenish the elder statesmen in the squad with fresher and younger legs, which won't be easy, but it has to be done this summer regardless and it really should have happened last summer.

Gavin Johnson
5 Posted 23/03/2015 at 01:03:16
Patrick, I doubt Baines would be sold anyway. He's in the 'untouchables' club alongside Barry and Howard. But, you're right about Garbutt maybe not being ready for a whole campaign. I'd be basing that on Oviedo being fit for a whole season. By the way does anyone know how long he's going to be out for?
Gavin Johnson
6 Posted 23/03/2015 at 01:15:01
Just as well we've got an international break coming up. You'd have to worry about Kone out of the two, but he was laughing on the bench after he went off, so I'd hazard a guess it's nothing major and more likely to be a knock.
John Gee
7 Posted 23/03/2015 at 02:00:51
Player tweaks hamstring just before an international break... I'm sure I've heard that somewhere before.

And before we get all self congratulatory, we're on 34 points and playing gash.

The glass is half full but it's half full of piss.

Minik Hansen
8 Posted 23/03/2015 at 02:35:08
Thank God Gibson is fine.
Rahul Sreekumar
10 Posted 23/03/2015 at 05:16:02
While I hate sports injuries (have suffered a few myself) and can imagine how frustrating it is to the player, I just can't understand why a professional athlete cannot run/sprint from point A to point B without injuring his hammy. Had the same thought when it happened to Mirallas too.

If these guys can't sprint every once in a while then who can?

Paul Thompson
11 Posted 23/03/2015 at 08:37:23
The idea of 'resting' Rom is a bit daft. We would seriously struggle for goals in the remaining games without him. Kone, in contrast, can stay in the injury room as far as I'm concerned. He's willing, yes, but poor. Agree with others, however, that it shows how light we are in strikers. Bring Chris Long back?
Andrew Ellams
12 Posted 23/03/2015 at 08:43:03
Rahul, with all due respect to your injuries, these guys are professional athletes who are fine-tuned to the limit and there is a very fine line between the hamstring pinging and not. You just have to pray that it does just ping and not tear.
Ray Roche
13 Posted 23/03/2015 at 08:48:15
Gavin, Patrick, don't forget that Garbutt has yet to sign a contract and his current one runs out this summer, as does Lundstram's. I would find it hard to believe that Garbutt or his agent haven't been tapped up by a club prepared to give him more game time based on the very good impression he's given when he's been played.
Ross Edwards
14 Posted 23/03/2015 at 09:03:34
That's Kone disappearing for another 2 years then as part of Roberto's mysterious disappearing act where a player simply vanishes from the squad never to be seen again.
Eugene Kearney
15 Posted 23/03/2015 at 10:30:11
Patrick (4) - I've been looking on the internet for a site to explain exactly what each place in the EPL "earns" a team this season - do you know one?

I'm hoping (given the shit season we've had) that we finish 9th or hopefully even 8th. I was wondering how much we'd get for either of those places.....

John Keating
16 Posted 23/03/2015 at 10:44:07
A number of posters have been calling for various players to be sold/let go in the close season. Some regarding the players/type of players we should bring in. Definitely we should be adding to the squad.

Regarding Howard, well say no more. We need a goalie plus Robles.

Of yesterday's back 4 who needs replacing for next season? I suggest none. Yes, Jags is getting on a bit but he has been immense the last few games and still has a few years yet. Baines, still excellent if given cover. Could Garbutt not go left back and Baines play left wing? Central defence needs cover for sure and hopefully in the next season or two one of the youngsters can step up.

Midfield, defensively we are okay, in my opinion, with McCarthy or Besic. We definitely need to recruit at least 2 attack-minded midfielders. Hopefully with the right coaching Barkley can regain some self belief and continue his midfield development.

Forwards, well we either need to buy and /or hope the likes of McAleny or Long come on a bit. If Lukaku or Kone get injured, we're in the shit. We need a striker.

So wholesale changes for next season? Where will the money come from? Realistically we've probably got nothing after we've paid the Chelsea fine and the new lawnmower. Far cheaper to just bin the weakest link, Martinez. Bring in a decent manager/coach who believes in getting players fit, playing in their right positions and practising set pieces defensively and attacking. With the right coaching, we still have the basis of a very good team.

Tony J Williams
17 Posted 23/03/2015 at 11:17:28
We will find out more about that before he joins up with Belgium...

So he's technically injured yet still going to the squad for perhaps two games in 4 days? Brilliant!

Drew Shortis
20 Posted 23/03/2015 at 15:36:17
Kone may not be the sharpest in front of goal at the moment. However he was heavily involved in both goals yesterday and I think Lukaku benefits from a strike partner. Obviously Kone is not going to be here for the long term, but while he is he gives us an alternative to Barkley or Naismith, depending on who were playing. Hope it's not to serious for either him or Lukaku.
Steavey Buckley
21 Posted 23/03/2015 at 15:50:29
"Thank God Gibson is fine." Gibson has not played for Ireland at the moment, and, usually, when he does play for Ireland he returns back a cripple.
Matt Traynor
22 Posted 23/03/2015 at 15:55:40
I thought Lukaku has been withdrawn from the Belgian squad?
John Keating
23 Posted 23/03/2015 at 15:56:26
Just can't work out if Lukaku is assessed at Finch Farm he was then allowed to join up with Belgium only to tell them he was not fit?

Maybe he's gone home for a bit of a Jolly Boys Outing but I would have thought it best staying here to ensure he's fully fit for Southampton.

Colin Glassar
24 Posted 23/03/2015 at 18:51:41
We will need a major clear out in the summer. Howard, Hibbert, Alcaraz, Distin, McGeady, Pienaar and Kone to name a few. These guys are either past their best or are so injury prone it’s not worth keeping them.

I’d even add Barry and Mirallas as possible leavers. So possibly between 7-9 players might/should leave. But being Everton most, if not all, will still be here next season.

Darren Hind
25 Posted 23/03/2015 at 19:04:55
Probably, Colin.

Those your hero hasn't already given long contracts to, will surely be offered new deals.

Martinez is the Gloria Gaynor of football – He never can say Goodbye!

Patrick Murphy
27 Posted 23/03/2015 at 19:11:49
Darren – He's been playing the other more famous Gloria Gaynor hit "I Will Survive" on his I-pod for the last few months.
Colin Glassar
28 Posted 23/03/2015 at 19:11:19
Darren, my "hero" is on a very, very short leash now. I want Roberto to be bold and sin miedo from now on, now that we are almost safe.

I want him to introduce the likes if Browning, Ledson and Long in some games. I want to see Robles play more often, I want to see a more expansive game (like last season) to excite us. If he does this between now and May, then he can have another go at the job next season. Deal?

Darren Hind
29 Posted 23/03/2015 at 19:35:13
I think he's had it to be honest, Col.

The decisions concerning Howard and Alcaraz will ultimately do for him.

Stephen Brown
30 Posted 23/03/2015 at 19:43:19
Major rebuilds seldom work! So if we get rid of 8/9 players I can see us continuing to struggle.

Add 3/4 top quality players and get rid of the worst deadwood. Board need to stump up the cash otherwise they could lose the PL cash!

Colin Glassar
31 Posted 23/03/2015 at 20:00:44
BK will give him till Christmas, Darren. If we’re doing okay by then, he stays. If not.....

Stephen, I doubt my radical solution will be implemented but at least half of them have to go.

Stephen Brown
32 Posted 23/03/2015 at 20:04:17
Colin,

I would love to get some new players in too and maybe a radical solution might be needed after this crap season!! I am a bit worried about our ability to attract the right quality of players this summer. Last year we were still considered possible Champions League qualifiers, this summer we won't be viewed like this!

Keeping the few to quality players we have is also going to be difficult. We really need to go on a run towards the end of the season so we carry some momentum into the pre-season! Or find a billionaire!!!

Phil Walling
33 Posted 23/03/2015 at 20:09:11
As soon as he thinks I'm on the plane, Colin gets all sentimental over his hero and sets out a plan to save his arse.

We all know that Martinez, Barry, Howard et al will be here next season and I'm positive the results will be much the same as this.

Anybody who can't recognise that Roberto is a dreamer who should never have been appointed is as daft as his No 1 supporter, Colin Glassar.

If BK sticks with this guy, he will get his just deserts! It won't be the Blue Union who will do for him, it will be Martinez!

Andrew Ellams
34 Posted 23/03/2015 at 20:27:40
Replace Howard, Pienaar, Mirallas, McGeady and Kone with Nyland, Ayew, Konoplyanka, Deulofeu and Ings. Get some decent cover in at centre half and right back and we will be laughing.

Barry and Osman get one more year propping up the bench and spend next year's money replacing them. Dead simple this management lark.

Colin Glassar
35 Posted 23/03/2015 at 20:29:21
Phil, I thought you’d moved abroad from your Wigan home. I know Warrington isn’t technically "abroad" but I suppose it’s a bit warmer than Wigan.

Bobby brown shoes will still be here next season, Phil, and he has promised me scintillating football with a Latin flavour. Be prepared for loads of ’Ole’s and flamenco-style football, Phil. It’s going to be muy bueno hombre.

Paul Tran
36 Posted 23/03/2015 at 20:32:07
The thing is, Colin, sin miedo is a complete myth. Please don't kid yourself that we spent last season playing marvellous football. We were a good solid team, playing fairly dull football with the odd flash of flair. Fine by me; I could see what Martinez was trying to do, it brought results and made sense.

This season has been a shambles. We have lost all defensive solidity, he keeps talking about fast, intense, effective passing football, but I haven't seen any of it. In terms of transfers, every manager has hits and misses, yet Martinez shows a marked reluctance to play men he has signed. I'm still wondering if it's the same person.

I strongly supported and defended the manager we had last season. He did what I wanted, which was to start mixing the best bits of the Moyes era with a bit more control of games and ball retention. I was expecting more of the same, with more pace this season. It's not happened. I think he's tried to be clever, forgotten the basics and it's backfired badly.

Of course he's going to stay, but I can't see how he's going to suddenly get the team organised, get the players back on side, get rid of the deadwood and replace them with quality.

Like I said before, check out the "first manager to be sacked" market for next season.

Colin Glassar
37 Posted 23/03/2015 at 20:52:56
It’s a question of, will the real Martinez stand up? Paul. Was last season a fluke? Is this season a reflection of the real Martinez? I guess we’ll find out next season either to our joy or consternation.
Phil Walling
38 Posted 23/03/2015 at 21:00:52
Interesting betting pattern. Odds against RM being next to go generally around 14/1. But suddenly Betfair have him at 7/2.

Do they know something?

Paul Tran
39 Posted 23/03/2015 at 21:04:45
Phil, maybe Betfair have no time limit and the others are focusing on this season. That's the only explanation I can think of. If that 14/1 included next season I'd stick my 'no relegation' winnings straight on it!

A mixture of Kenwright's sentimentality and unwillingness to admit the wrong appointment is keeping Martinez in his job. If we start next season in the same vein as this one, the blip argument will be in tatters and he'll be gone quickly.

Colin Glassar
40 Posted 23/03/2015 at 21:11:58
Phil, as TW’s unofficial bookie, what are the odds on us doing the double next season? I’ve got a fiver burning a hole in me pocket.
Rafizi Ariffin
41 Posted 24/03/2015 at 01:35:22
If both of them are not available against Southampton.. we only have Naisy as a forward. Can we bring back Long or McAleny? I thought McAleny was loaned out till end of the season..
Mark Andersson
42 Posted 24/03/2015 at 11:59:59
So thatÂ’s it then, another 9 games to go, knowing that this manager is safe in his overpaid job.

At least he gives us fans something to debate about, although itÂ’s becoming more more one-sided each week. Thank goodness for Colin who along with some others live more in hope than the facts that have unfolded this season.

If anyone thinks it will be better next season then I suggest you keep taking your happy pills. YouÂ’re going to need them.

John Malone
43 Posted 24/03/2015 at 15:03:33
People need look back at last season and remember a lot of the performances were shite and we were lucky to get last-minute winners or have teams miss chances. There is no chance Martinez will have us punching above our weight again, like Moyes did.

It's midtable mediocrity under this guy... with bullshit excuses every week. We the fans can see through it – and no doubt the players can too.


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