Roberto Martinez has admitted that Romelu Lukaku could face Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, just three days prior to the Blues FA Cup semi-final.
The forward is currently nursing a groin injury and having played in all 32 Premier League fixtures this season, it looks likely that he could be rested for tomorrow’s game against Southampton.
The Belgian has been the Toffees star man this season and has been vital in their FA Cup run but could face fatigue after a long spell of starting appearances. Roberto Martinez has admitted that, if fit, Lukaku must play. He explained:
The truth is that if he is fully fit, then no. He needs to be involved all the time and he gets that mood out of being important for the team constantly.
I know it is strange to say that, for someone who is only 22, but I think it is the way you see him performing week in, week out.
It is true that this week is different, he picked up a knock in the Crystal Palace game that’s maybe a different situation and if he’s not fully, fully fit then that is a moment to protect him because we all know the importance of the games we have coming ahead.
Lukaku has scored 25 goals this season – the most an Everton player has scored in the Premier League era – and has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer. Manchester United, PSG and Real Madrid have all seemingly registered an interest in the striker and it looks likely that Lukaku could move if a fee is agreed.
Martinez also reiterated just how important his star striker is to the team, explaining:
Rom, the physicality he has and the presence he has, he can cope with as many games as he can play
It is very important, between the games, the way he trains, and regeneration and recovery and he’s completely fine.
