• FA Cup

Lukaku ready to play on despite death of friend Malanda

Romelu Lukaku has been "deeply affected" by Junior Malanda's death © PA Photos

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Romelu Lukaku will play in Everton's FA Cup third round replay against West Ham on Tuesday despite mourning the death of close friend Junior Malanda.

Wolfsburg midfielder Malanda, who played against Everton in the Europa League this season, was killed in a car crash near Bielefeld in Germany on Saturday. The 20-year-old was travelling to meet his team-mates before travelling to South Africa for a training camp, but was thrown from the car after it crashed on the motorway in adverse weather conditions.

Lukaku was notified of the Belgium youth international's death after Everton's 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday. Manager Roberto Martinez confirmed the forward has been "really affected" by the news, but Lukaku has said he is ready to play at Upton Park.

"Junior was his friend so obviously it was an incredible shock for Romelu and for everyone," Martinez said. "We knew that he had that relationship with Junior because it was a talking point when we played Wolfsburg, the two of them facing each other.

"We found out straight after the Manchester City game. It was such incredible news that it has been tough. Rom has been really affected. Everyone has to be honest.

"It is so sad it is difficult to comprehend. Rom is really down about it. He is in constant contact with his family but he has been very strong over it. Playing football probably allows you to get rid of that feeling and that's exactly what he needs. He trained well yesterday and we are all helping and supporting him."

Bielefeld police have opened a manslaughter investigation into the crash and said on Monday that the car had been travelling "at a speed unsuitable for the weather conditions".

Malanda, also a friend of compatriot Kevin Mirallas, was reportedly thrown from the car and pronounced dead at the scene.

Junior Malanda forever in our heart

— R.Lukaku Bolingoli10 (@RomeluLukaku9) January 11, 2015

Martinez added: "It is so sad what happened. It makes you appreciate not to take anything for granted in life. Rom is a very sensitive man and he had always been giving Junior good advice.

"Junior was just breaking into the senior side with Belgium and you can imagine their group is very strong, Kevin [Mirallas] was very close to him too. Their feeling is they want to play and show their respect on the pitch as well."

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