They will face Liverpool then an FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United

Roberto Martinez is ready to rest Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku to keep them fresh for the defining week of Everton’s season.

Barkley and Lukaku were among the nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year award earlier this week, having both shown considerable progression and consistency; they have both started 32 games for Everton, a figure that is higher than anyone else in the squad.

Everton have not won any of their last five games in the Barclays Premier League and they need a win against Southampton on Saturday to alleviate the tension that has built up following their slide down the table.

Roberto Martinez faces a Merseyside derby next Wednesday followed by an FA Cup semi-final in eight days

He is ready to rest Ross Barkley (left) and Romelu Lukaku (right) against Southampton to keep them fresh

But with a Merseyside derby on the horizon next Wednesday, followed by the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United in eight days’ time, Martinez is prepared to take Barkley – who has had a minor knee problem – and Lukaku, who is suffering a tight groin, out of the firing to protect them.

‘I don’t think they have played like young players,’ said Martinez. ‘This season they have taken their own personal roles to the next level. Rom and Ross have been extremely consistent and I am pleased that they have had that recognition they deserve.

‘But more importantly we need to keep them fresh to make sure they finish the season really strong. We will assess Ross. Rom has been carrying a problem. None of those are long-term injuries they just affect the big amount of games that we have.

‘This game is right in the middle of five games in two weeks. This was going to be a challenging game. They are a really good side. They rely on possession, they have very strong individuals. We faced adversity against Crystal Palace.’

Barkley in action with Yohan Cabaye of Crystal Palace during Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park

Lukaku (right) and Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace challenge for the ball during the Premier League encounter

Martinez hopes the spirit Everton showed after being a man down at Selhurst Park will be the catalyst for an improvement at home.

‘We’re playing a really good footballing side but for us it’s about trying to get good attributes in adversity we showed against palace. This is a chance to see how squad can cope. Been disappointing not celebrated enough wins in front of our own crowd.

At times we’ve had performances which have been good enough to get results but at home we haven’t got them. Away from home it’s been really really strong – we wanted an away record that could be top four At home is rally contrasting and just not good enough.’