Everton manager Roberto Martinez is sweating on the fitness of Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy after he suffered another injury setback against Stoke on Monday.
McCarthy had only just returned to the fold after struggling with a hip problem and limped out of the Toffees' dramatic 4-3 defeat to Stoke in the first half.
"It was a blow to lose James so early. We felt we needed an extra energy and you saw that with his impact in with the assist for the first goal," said Martinez, who also saw Tom Cleverley suffer an achilles tendon injury in the Goodison loss.
Cleverley replaced McCarthy after just 26 minutes, but he then had to make way in the second half for Steven Naismith.
"To lose Tom Cleverley through injury and to get a reaction, a flare-up from James is a real negative," Martinez added.
"Tom felt his achilles tendon and we will have to assess it. He tried to stay on as long as he could.
"It was a blow to lose James so early"
"He played the pass for Romelu Lukaku for the second goal but he had to come off. He made a really big impact when he came on and he was playing a massive role."
Everton twice came from behind to lead 3-2 with 10 minutes remaining, Lukaku leading the way with a brace.
But a weak punch from goalkeeper Tim Howard and a rash challenge by John Stones, which led to the winning penalty in added time, saw the Potters snatch the three points from the jaws of defeat.
"It is the hardest thing to do, to get back on level terms, then get ahead. It was a real blow to lose the third goal but clearly we have to become stronger defensively," Martinez said.
"There are certain actions we have to defend a lot better and, as a team, we have to get more mature. We have to be wiser in protecting that lead."
