Everton stroll overshadowed by horror injury to Bryan Oviedo

Stevenage 0 Everton 4: Everton cruised into the fifth round of the FA Cup, but their victory against Stevenage was overshadowed by a horrific injury to Bryan Oviedo, who was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg.

Oviedo's left leg looked to have been snapped in two after he was caught by Stevenage midfielder Simon Heslop as he was attempting a shot on goal.

Everton’s players turned away in horror as the midfielder lay stricken on the floor at the Lamex Stadium. The Costa Rican was taken to hospital and now looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, including this summer’s World Cup, although it was reported later on that the injury was a clean break.

Everton, who were 1-0 up at the time thanks to Steven Naismith’s goal, did not let the incident affect them as they strolled to a comfortable 4-0 win.

Naismith found the net again before substitutes Johnny Heitinga and Magaye Gueye finished the rout against the League One side.

Roberto Martinez will be pleased to have avoided an upset at Stevenage, who beat Newcastle at the Lamex Stadium three years ago, but there will be deep concern for Oviedo, who has impressed recently for the Merseysiders.

A serious injury to one of his key players is the last thing the Everton manager needs ahead of Tuesday’s Merseyside derby, especially as he already has seven first-team players out through injury.

Martinez sped up his post-match media duties to head to the hospital and see his player, but he did say: “A real negative is the unfortunate incident and we end up with Bryan picking up a bad injury. We need to give him as much support as we can as he had a terrific season.

“I have been so impressed with his level in different positions. He’s a really important player and we want to make sure everything goes well.”