Everton

Roberto Martinez confident Everton can cope without Gareth Barry

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 15 March 2016

Everton manager Roberto Martinez insists that the team can cope without Gareth Barry, who will miss the next two games through suspension.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that his squad has enough quality to cope without the suspended Gareth Barry.

The midfielder will miss Premier League matches against Arsenal and Manchester City after getting sent off in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter-final.

"We are quite strong in every department - that's what's pleasing," Martinez told Everton TV. "We never look to have excuses for having players not available. We'll never go down that route. Suspensions and injuries are part of the game and they need to be overcome by the enthusiasm [that comes with] the feeling of an opportunity for another member of the squad.

"The squad is ready and players have been working really hard. It's going to be great to see what a new partnership can bring to the side, but, clearly, Gareth Barry has been an incredible influence in the last three seasons, none more so than in this campaign where he has been involved in every Premier League game.

"He is going to be missed but the challenge we face is can we perform in a really positive way, even when Gareth is not on the pitch? We have to rise to that."

Everton will play either West Ham United or Manchester United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.