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You’re not going to believe this (or maybe you are), but it sounds like Everton and Republic of Ireland midfielder James McCarthy is going to be facing another extended layoff.
The soon-to-turn 27-year-old apparently pulled his hamstring yet again during a training session following the midweek loss to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. He just returned from his latest knee ailment which was originally supposed to be a minor issue, but ended up keeping him out from mid-August until this week.
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The news is being reported across Everton fan forums on Twitter, and apparently the latest issue is a major one as he is expected to miss “months, not weeks”.
Soon to be reported by the press, it looks as though James McCarthy could be set for another lengthy lay off. https://t.co/4qdudvOvCk
— Everton That (@Evertonthat_) October 28, 2017
McCarthy's hamstring gone again. Out tomorrow.
— TheEvertonForum.com (@TheEFCForum) October 28, 2017
His injuries were a big factor in the frosty relationship between former manager Ronald Koeman and Irish boss Martin O’Neill, as the pair often clashed over the midfielder’s fitness woes. Koeman had previously lashed out at the Ireland setup for selecting a half-fit McCarthy which resulted in him aggravating his previous injuries.
There has been no independent confirmation of McCarthy’s injury yet, and David Unsworth had not mentioned the Irishman in his pre-match press conference yesterday. We’ll continue to update this story as we receive more news.