Everton manager Marco Silva has delivered a positive update on the recovery of James McCarthy, with the midfielder closing in on a return.
The Toffees boss discussed the condition of the Republic of Ireland international, who has been sidelined with a broken leg for nearly a year now following an injury against West Brom in January.
As quoted by the Daily Mail, Silva told Everton TV that the 28-year-old is ‘progressing’ as he nears a return to full fitness. He said:
James is progressing. He is getting better.
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.
But he is a worker and I really like him. He works really hard every day to achieve the best physical condition. He enjoys what he is doing.
McCarthy will provide another option for the team as they push through a hectic festive period of fixtures.
Everton have shown plenty of promise this season but have struggled to develop consistency, with Silva utilising numerous midfield options.
It will be difficult for McCarthy to force his way back into the starting line-up but his availability is sure to come as a big boost for the club ahead of the second half of the campaign.
