James McCarthy is nearing a return to fitness and could feature over the festive period, according to Everton manager Marco Silva, while three key players are expected to make Sunday’s Tottenham game.
The Republic of Ireland international has been out of action for 11 months after he suffered a double leg-break in a challenge with Salamon Rondon during Everton’s 1-1 home draw with West Brom in January.
James McCarthy’s Everton comeback soon? Five things to know:
- McCarthy has missed the last 11 months with a double leg-break.
- The injury came in the fourth game of last season for McCarthy, who has a bad recent fitness record having only played five times in the last two years.
- But McCarthy is nearing a return to full fitness and Marco Silva is considering using him over the next two weeks.
- Everton play Spurs, Burnley, Brighton and Leicester over the Premier League festive schedule.
- Silva, however, has refused to promise McCarthy game time in December.
McCarthy has been back in training for some time now, and Silva is happy to have another midfielder available.
Elsewhere, a groin strain suffered by Idrissa Gueye forced Silva to change his system for last week’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City and it was assumed the Senegal international faces a late fitness test for this Sunday’s home game against Spurs. It was also thought Andre Gomes could miss out through illness.
Silva, though, appeared to confirm both are now available for selection when speaking to Everton TV: “James is getting better. It is good to have all of the midfielders available. We will need all of them. It will be important in a busy month.”
The Everton boss went on to explain that he cannot guarantee fellow midfielder McCarthy will appear in a series of “tough” games. Everton, who are currently eighth in the Premier League, also face Burnley, Brighton and Leicester over the rest of December and early January.
“I know games will give him a better condition, but we are playing tough, tough matches and it is not easy to give him what everybody knows will help him get better, which is minutes in those games,” added the Portuguese.
“But he is a worker and I really like him.”
Silva also said during this week’s press briefing that Richarlison, like Gomes, has recovered from illness and is expected to play in Sunday’s game.
Do Everton have a right-back problem Spurs can expose?
Evertonians will be happy to see the return of McCarthy after such a long lay-off. However, the debate as to whether McCarthy’s compatriot Seamus Coleman has truly recovered from his broken leg rages on among fans, with many taking to Twitter to express their concern over recent performances.
Such a shame to see Seamus Coleman performing badly recently, can’t dispute he’s done well for us but just not sure if he’s got it anymore🤔
— nanci (@nancifarleyx) December 15, 2018
I today was a defining moment for me though regarding Seamus Coleman. I do think it's time to look elsewhere, he's been a great servant to the club but there's better out there now.
— Mr Latimer (@mrclatimer1985) December 15, 2018
Seamus Coleman on the other hand. Deteriorating with each game
— Callum (@callumtaitt) December 15, 2018
Seamus Coleman not stopping the cross, season 5 episode 400
— ✖️ (@Joe96__) December 15, 2018
Everton take on Tottenham at home on Sunday, where avoiding defeat would seem them climb back above Wolves into seventh.
The post James McCarthy closing in on Everton return after 11-month layoff appeared first on Squawka News.
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