JAMES MCCARTHY FACES a race against time to be fit for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Moldova next month.
The Everton midfielder underwent surgery on a groin injury last Friday and Ronald Koeman has revealed he faces three weeks on the sidelines.
With the game against the Georgians set for 6 October and the trip to Moldova taking place three days later, the 25-year-old will be cutting it fine to be 100%.
Even if the recovery goes according to plan, McCarthy will still not have played since 23 August and his lack of match fitness will surely prove problematic when Martin O’Neill is selecting his squad.
Against Serbia, Glenn Whelan started in midfield alongside Jeff Hendrick, Robbie Brady and James McClean and, considering McCarthy’s injury issues, that foursome is likely to remain unchanged next month, barring other fitness concerns.
Koeman also spoke about Seamus Coleman today.
The right-back, who captained the Irish side in Belgrade, hasn’t featured for the Toffees yet this season because of injury but came through unscathed against Serbia.
“Seamus is okay”, Koeman said.
“It was a little bit tricky as he was out for four weeks and he had some training. It’s tricky for the player as his position is between the club and the national team and he came back with no problems. He is fit to start. McCarthy will be out for three weeks as he had groin surgery last Friday.”
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