Kevin Mirallas and Leon Osman add to Everton's injury crisis as Roberto Martinez waits to hear extent of damage

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Everton are nervously awaiting results of tests that could leave Kevin Mirallas and Leon Osman facing lengthy absences.

Mirallas had tests on Tuesday after he was carried off during Monday’s 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers with ankle ligament damage.

His right ankle was swollen as a result of a poor challenge from Jordon Mutch, which Roberto Martinez called ‘disappointing’. He is a major doubt for the Christmas fixtures. 

VIDEO Scroll down to see Roberto Martinez share his thoughts on Mirallas' injury 

Everton's Kevin Mirallas is brought down in a challenge by QPR's Jordan Mutch on Monday

Mirallas screams in pain after injuring his ankle during Everton's 3-1 defeat of QPR

Mirallas writhes in agony after being brought down by a bad challenge from Mutch

The Belgium international looks in obvious pain as he is taken from the field on a stretcher

Leon Osman (right) in action for Everton against Hull City in the Premier League clash on December 3

Osman’s situation is also causing concern for Martinez, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Southampton. He has not played since coming off the bench against Manchester City on December 6 and has had his ankle in a protective boot.

The former England midfielder was due to see a specialist for further tests and the fear is that he will require an operation.

Martinez’s options in midfield have been hit in recent weeks with James McCarthy recovering from a hamstring problem and Darron Gibson also injured. Gareth Barry, meanwhile, was suspended against QPR having been booked five times. 

Mirallas scores Everton's second goal with a heavily deflected free-kick in the fist-half

Ross Barkley opened the scoring with a wonder goal on his return to the starting line-up

That meant Martinez had to use Ross Barkley in central midfield alongside Muhamed Besic, having previously said the England international was not ready for the responsibility of that position.

Despite Barkley capping his most complete display of the season with a superb goal, team-mate Steven Naismith has urged caution when considering his progress. 

‘Ross and Mo did fantastically well,’ he said. ‘Ross is a terrific talent with a lot going for him but he has a lot to learn.’

Barkley wheels away to celebrate his blistering strike, which left manager Roberto Martinez purring

Martinez saw his side earn local bragging rights by moving above Liverpool in the table