JAMES MCCARTHY MAY have to stay at Everton for the time being as a groin injury threatens to scupper his exit plans.
He was rated as a ‘small doubt’ by Ronald Koeman ahead of today’s victory over Stoke but subsequently was left out of the squad.
Still, the development only fueled the widespread reports linking him with a move away from Goodison Park.
After the game, Koeman told reporters that McCarthy’s injury is more serious than first thought and he may need an operation.
The club will make a decision tomorrow on what the next step will be but he’s certainly a doubt for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia that takes place in Belgrade on 5 September.
Koeman also said that he does not want to sell the 25-year-old. But, according to some sources, McCarthy is unsure of his future and weighing up options.
He was played at wing-back against West Brom last weekend before being substituted after just 38 minutes and has struggled to feature in his preferred central midfield position.
Celtic have been linked with a loan move for McCarthy while other Premier League clubs would also be interested.
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