Would Martina be playing if Oviedo had stayed at Everton?

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Everton have had a few problems at full-back this season.

Everton manager Sam Allardyce still has not really found his strongest starting XI at Goodison Park.

There has been plenty of rotation under the former Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland boss since he took over.

He has also had to contend with a few injuries, particularly at full-back after Seamus Coleman’s long-term absence and Leighton Baines missing since December with a calf injury.

Jonjoe Kenny and Cuco Martina have been filling in at full-back while the experienced pair have been out and the latter has had his fair share of criticism for his performances this season.

The Curucao international has had a tough time at Goodison Park. He has been playing at both left-back and right-back and has looked particularly uncomfortable on the left side.

Everton’s options are somewhat limited at the moment, but there was someone at the club a year ago who may have also been able to fill the left-back role. Brian Oviedo departed for Sunderland last January and would have been able to compete with Martina for a starting berth while Baines was sidelined.

The Costa Rican has been a regular for the Championship club this season but has not exactly been outstanding. Given Martina’s poor performances, the option of Oviedo may have forced Allardyce’s hand.

Oviedo was pretty solid during his time at Everton although his spell on Merseyside was hampered by injuries, which ultimately was the reason he ended up being sold.

It is fair to say Martina would not be playing as much had a fully fit Oviedo been available to Everton although, on current form, neither are making the best case for themselves.