Roberto Martinez still hasn’t decided who will fill the void left by Leighton Baines at left back for the match against Stoke City at the weekend and will analyse training to see who he thinks is best.
The Spaniard has a number of options for left back with Gareth Barry, Sylvain Distin, Bryan Oviedo, Antolin Alcaraz and even Tony Hibbert possible replacements.
Gaz Baz filled in at left back against Liverpool following Baines toe injury and big Sylvain DIstin has also deputised at left back before. Costa Rican Bryan Oviedo is a ready made like for like replacement and wouldn’t require much shuffling, although Martinez could look to swap to a 3-5-2 formation and include Antolin Alcaraz into a back 3. One other option is scouser Tony Hibbert, although Hibbo has hardly featured in the last year having suffered a succession of injuries and also the form of Seamus Coleman in his natural right back position.
“I think Gareth Barry did really well against Liverpool to step into that role and be himself.
“Obviously, we’ve got other options at the football club, defenders who can slot in in that position and that’s something that I’m going to look into.
“I’m happy that we’ve got options. You don’t want to lose players but you always know you’re going to miss players through suspension, through injury, and the level of a squad is measured in those moments.
“I’m excited to see how as a team we can take this opportunity to show there is real desire and competition for places in the squad.”
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