Everton midfielder James McCarthy tipped for summer return

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 01 March 2018

Everton manager Sam Allardyce provides an update on James McCarthy, who suffered a double leg break in January but may yet return before the start of next season.

Sam Allardyce has said that he is hopeful midfielder James McCarthy will recover from injury in time to play a part in Everton's pre-season programme.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered a horrific double leg break in the second half of the Toffees' 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion in January.

McCarthy underwent successful surgery a few days later, but it was unknown how long he was facing out with his latest long-term injury problem.

Providing an update to Everton's official website, Allardyce has hinted that the 27-year-old could yet be back in action come the start of 2018-19.

"It is down to the specialist and them saying if and when James can start moving forward," he said. "The specialist will guide us on how far we can go and with a bit of luck we can look forward to James starting the next pre-season with us.

"He has had some time back at home. He will probably rejoin us in the next few days on a regular basis to start getting some mobility into his ankle, particularly because it has been in a set position for such a long time."

McCarthy was making just his fourth Premier League appearance of the season when he suffered the injury in a collision with Salomon Rondon.