Season › 2014-15 › News
McCarthy is fit for the derby
Reports of an injury setback were wrong
National media reports had claimed that the Irish international aggravated the troublesome muscle in training this week, likely setting back his return for another fortnight at least. However, it seems James McCarthy is in contention to make his return from injury against Liverpool after Roberto Martinez confirmed that the midfielder is set to be in the squad for Saturday's Merseyside derby.
"Reports surfaced overnight that the Republic of Ireland international had suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury but the Blues boss quashed those suggestions when speaking at his pre-match media conference on Thursday morning.
"McCarthy hasn't played for Everton since the game against Newcastle United at St James's Park at the end of January.
"Martinez said: 'He [McCarthy] was in hospital yesterday having a scan to make sure he is fully recovered. The scans have shown that he is perfectly healed and now it is about adapting him to the match intensity.
"I expect James to be in the squad for the weekend so it is terrific news in that respect."
The 24 year-old hasn't featured for Everton since being withdrawn at half time of the defeat at Newcastle at the end of last year. It was the latest disruption to a season that has been wrecked so far by a succession of hamstring issues that he appears still unable to shake.
Roberto Martinez expressed his confidence last month that the club's medical staff had got to the bottom of McCarthy's problem and had declared him fully fit during the team's recent warm-weather camp in Qatar.
He did not travel with the squad to Selhurst Park for last weekend's win over Crystal Palace, however, casting doubt on his readiness after five weeks on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Martinez provided an update on the condition of Tim Howard who has now resumed training but is about a week away from being fully ready to return.
The American tore a calf muscle in late December and has been sidelined with the injury since but has been deputised impressively by Joel Robles.
Reader Comments (89)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
2 Posted 05/02/2015 at 00:17:10
3 Posted 05/02/2015 at 00:25:21
4 Posted 05/02/2015 at 00:31:03
5 Posted 05/02/2015 at 00:36:36
6 Posted 05/02/2015 at 00:48:25
Does seem that some form of "Voodoo" or "JuJu" is needed to end this very unprofessional seeming preponderance of "hamstringitis" affecting our first team players.
We’re not alone in this, but it really does beg the question, "What the fuck are all these sports science wankers getting paid for?" Bloody hamstrings pop like cheap guitar strings then are fragile for (what seems like) a season or more.
7 Posted 05/02/2015 at 00:53:32
8 Posted 05/02/2015 at 01:41:53
RM: "It was a phenomenal moment in Aaron’s career. His legs left Finch Farm at an incredible speed. We need to be patient. At 27 Aaron is still young. Bio-mechanical surgeons estimate we should see the best of Aaron in January 2087. It’s a very exciting time for this football club."
9 Posted 05/02/2015 at 04:26:10
Everything I have read says he could be out.
10 Posted 05/02/2015 at 05:53:44
I can think of Macca, Mirallas and Jagielka having hamstring problems this year, and Jags was back pretty quickly. Am I missing something? Have you ever popped your hamstring by the way? It can take a very long time to heal - it’s a complicated process.
11 Posted 05/02/2015 at 05:58:21
Where did it say that? I know we were 20th in terms of revenue (enjoy it while it lasts), but that has sweet FA to do with cash in the bank.
12 Posted 05/02/2015 at 05:55:22
I know the difference between blistered feet and hammys yet the thought James paddling in Roberto’s piss helps to divert my thoughts from imminent disaster.
13 Posted 05/02/2015 at 06:32:47
God I wish our prick of a manager would just shut the fuck up. He’s embarrasing.
14 Posted 05/02/2015 at 07:08:48
15 Posted 05/02/2015 at 07:00:13
Did it work? Have you heard ’Dead Ringer’?
Anyway, our DM choices are Barry, Besic and McCarthy. If one is injured then two out of three ain’t bad...sorry
16 Posted 05/02/2015 at 07:29:12
17 Posted 05/02/2015 at 07:34:10
Although of course there is the fit and ready Gibson!
18 Posted 05/02/2015 at 07:29:02
We would hire some bloke out of the yellow pages. He would pull up outside Goodison in a twenty year old Ford Transit that is being held together by rust and duct tape. He would open the back door and all the tools of his trade would be in a biscuit tin his mam got in for Christmas in 1970. The sole contents of said bin would be three small spanners, a nail hammer, three-in-one oil and an out of date bottle of turtle wax
The guy would muddle about for an hour, chat up the tea lady, rub some turtle wax into Lennon’s legs, explain that he would have to order more parts in and then charge us 10 grand. You can forget about a VAT number and all.
How long have you all been on ToffeeWeb? You all should know better.
19 Posted 05/02/2015 at 08:15:30
20 Posted 05/02/2015 at 08:33:28
21 Posted 05/02/2015 at 08:39:40
I think the warning signs were there when we were told he would make the Palace game yet failed to make even the bench. I still reiterate what I said a week ago, we are two or three more injuries away from a crisis.
IÂm chuffed with Lennon coming in but if I was Roberto, IÂd have been thinking of at least three new signings just to cover for these injuries or suspensions. Are Barry and Besic not both close to a ban also?
22 Posted 05/02/2015 at 08:55:42
24 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:00:22
25 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:16:37
Negative: Darron "treatment table from ikea" Gibson might be in the squad.
27 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:19:34
28 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:19:04
Nevertheless we still have a fighting chance . Crease head and most of their team were rubbish last night.
If our players motivate themselves (given up on Bobby), we can do this. Shame our season makes this one match so important though.
Just hope we donÂt have Redknapp as our new manager next week!
29 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:35:45
DoesnÂt Aaron Lennon count as Cockerel Crest Extract? :-)
30 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:46:26
AllÂs well that ends well.
31 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:50:40
"James McCarthy is in contention to make his return from injury against Liverpool after Roberto Martinez confirmed that the midfielder is set to be in the squad for SaturdayÂs Merseyside derby.
"Reports surfaced overnight that the Republic of Ireland international had suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury but the Blues boss quashed those suggestions when speaking at his pre-match media conference on Thursday morning.
"McCarthy hasnÂt played for Everton since the game against Newcastle United at St JamesÂs Park at the end of January.
"Martinez said: ÂHe [McCarthy] was in hospital yesterday having a scan to make sure he is fully recovered. The scans have shown that he is perfectly healed and now it is about adapting him to the match intensity.
"I expect James to be in the squad for the weekend so it is terrific news in that respect."Â
32 Posted 05/02/2015 at 09:57:15
33 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:03:39
34 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:11:44
36 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:11:31
Everton continually find new ways plumb the depths of gullibility and a Hillsborough memorial at OUR ground for fans of a club who have damaged OUR club beyond belief is another kick in the ribs. Why donÂt we play in red "out of respect"?
My own Grandfather died after a match at Goodison and has no memorial there yet there erecting ANOTHER one to our worst enemies. Sickening.
37 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:20:55
Lol! Talk about pessimism for the sake of it. As long as that crying faced prick isnÂt granted his media wish I donÂt care who plays. if we end up with 8 men and break a few of their fucking legs, even better.
38 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:38:59
39 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:43:28
40 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:57:30
I did feel for Mirallas pulling up at Anfield with his own particular brand of hammy problem, he was just starting to cause them problems as well.
Ah well, if Macca isnÂt fit then itÂs just another setback in a season of setbacks. I would have played Besic regardless, and had him man marking Sturridge.
As for Lennon, if he can just succeed in getting past his man twice in a game and whip crosses in for the big man that will be an improvement upon what weÂve seen so far this season as regards traditional wing play. COYB KAG
41 Posted 05/02/2015 at 10:47:16
42 Posted 05/02/2015 at 11:58:30
43 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:15:05
44 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:26:36
So we havenÂt got any problems then? EverythingÂs great?
What are you talking about?
I see plently of problems. Too many to list in fact.
45 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:34:36
46 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:47:13
Makes sense as he has been out a while and better to ease him back.
47 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:50:27
I couldnÂt believe this when I read it, canÂt the fool do anything right??
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2940815/Everton-boss-Roberto-Martinez-blames-photographer-Aaron-Lennon-looking-miserable.html
48 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:27:31
Why canÂt Roberto just speak normal English. FootballÂs a simple sport not a science lesson!
So basically in normal lingo heÂs healed but not match fit - which means heÂll at best be on the bench come the weekend. Unless this is all mind games and heÂs actually not ready at all.
Either way its Barry and Besic to start. So as usual the only question re team selection is whoÂll be the 2 AMs playing next to Mirallas, the remaining 9 players are a given.
Next.
49 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:53:22
Also said that Mcarthy is fine and was only in hospital for a scan, which proved his muscle has totally healed.
50 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:01:20
At least we wonÂt have to wait until some future date for us to "see the best of him".
51 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:06:46
52 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:06:49
LennonÂs face is funny, but really does not matter.
53 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:10:44
54 Posted 05/02/2015 at 12:50:29
55 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:20:36
56 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:25:13
57 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:23:29
This video will shock you, guaranteed.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=662098823900562
58 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:51:36
59 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:47:14
He will either be off the pace and a liability or will tweak it again and be out for the rest of the season.
Midfield for me would be Besic, Oviedo, Barkley and Barry.
60 Posted 05/02/2015 at 13:57:38
He wont be match fit anyway.
Stick Besic on Gerrard.
61 Posted 05/02/2015 at 14:08:19
"Tim is back in training. He feels strong and ready but the medical advice is to give him another week to make sure he is fully healed.
"We wonÂt take any risks. But it is incredible how quickly he has recovered and how well he has done in training."
Martinez also says Leon Osman is Âmaking good progress after his injury.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/live/30994927
62 Posted 05/02/2015 at 14:05:23
63 Posted 05/02/2015 at 14:13:50
64 Posted 05/02/2015 at 14:30:43
65 Posted 05/02/2015 at 14:20:33
66 Posted 05/02/2015 at 14:35:01
Positive: Besic retains starting place
Positive: McCarthy in squad instead of Darron "geriatric knees" Gibson.
69 Posted 05/02/2015 at 14:42:51
Lennon is going to be rubbish because he wasnÂt laughing his cock off in the pictures.
Martinez is rubbish because the photographer should have tickled LennonÂs balls with a feather for the "laughing my cock off" look.
Everton are rubbish because McCarthy went to hospital for confirmation that his injury is fully healed.
Tim Howard is rubbish because he is progressing well from his injury and may (or may not) be available earlier (or on time or indeed later) than the original estimates.
Barry will be rubbish because McCarthy wonÂt be available (even if he is available).
And finally.
Martinez is rubbish because he has confused a handful of ToffeeWebbers with apparently contradictory statements regarding the squad fitness/availability ahead of a home derby match.
Clearly these "cheeky tactics" have never ever been deployed by an Everton (or LFC or any other club) manager in the run up to a derby match before. What really needs to happen here is for RM to invite a number of LFC representatives (of their own choosing) in to GP & FF for a week (or longer if theyÂd prefer) and grant them free access to all coaching, treatment, and tactical discussions and then upon their recommendations do precisely what they request regards training, recuperation, team selection and tactics for the forthcoming "DJ Slippy G" memorial derby match in what is his final year on earth and also the year that their name is on the FA Cup, the EPL, the World Cup, the AmericaÂs Cup, the Grand National Winner and the deep space probe leaving the fucking solar system.
70 Posted 05/02/2015 at 15:27:05
On a side note anyone see Dortmund get beat again? Klopp had this to stay: "ThereÂs no doubt that nerves play a part in our situation. We need to bring them under control. We can be accused of anything tonight and it is all justified, but we wonÂt give up. We keep going. We had some good ideas but they were not enough. We have to be much more clinical in front of goal.
"We lack confidence there, and we have to work on it. We have to give the lads their confidence back. We create chances, and we see improvement, but the result is always the same. IÂm very disappointed. We knew itÂs not going to be easy. I can understand the fans frustrations."
I think there is alot of correlation with our own season and DortmundÂs. ItÂs refreshing to see Klopp say what he means in contrast to the Martinez positive spin. But if Martinez stopped being positive I bet many on here would give off about his negativity. CanÂt please everyone.
71 Posted 05/02/2015 at 15:39:42
72 Posted 05/02/2015 at 15:40:00
73 Posted 05/02/2015 at 15:21:32
We could win if the team believe they can and if the supporters do so too. Make no mistake about the power of suggestion. They come to the old lady every year knowing that we fear them. itÂs time to turn the tables and start to believe that we can and will put those smug bastards in their place.
Fergie had no fear and instilled it into his side. Knocked them of their high and mighty perch. Now itÂs time for us Evertonians to believe, no matter who the manager is. Get behind the team show them you believe and inspire them to a victory.
76 Posted 05/02/2015 at 16:10:24
77 Posted 05/02/2015 at 16:31:36
Like he knew that he had to get down to business striaght away.
I'd be furious if a player was pictured laughing and joking with the predicament we are in. I'm more than happy to see that at least someone is ready to roll up there sleeves and graft our way back up the table.
PS: Does anyone know if the Dortmund fans have turned on Klopp this season? I still believe in Martinez and believe he is our best option available.
78 Posted 05/02/2015 at 17:47:54
79 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:20:12
80 Posted 05/02/2015 at 18:57:34
Of academic interest only, Reds at 5/4 and draw 9/4.
81 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:03:52
82 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:20:03
"God I wish our prick of a manager would just shut the fuck up. He's embarrasing."
Not as embarrassing as some of the posters here now look...
83 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:31:13
84 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:43:50
85 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:47:30
86 Posted 05/02/2015 at 19:48:15
Is that a less than subtle attempt to make 12/5 appear bigger
87 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:10:33
Tony #84 - the RS aren't competing
89 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:31:04
A grand total of 3 Everton players make their line-up.
Baines(at left back), Stones (at right back) and Mirallas right midfield.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/05/liverpool-Everton-derby-combined-eleven
90 Posted 05/02/2015 at 21:46:37
I still think Jimmy Mac ain't playing. Our (choose your adjective) manager has proven over both years he plays it fast and loose with "fitness" as far as injuries players coming back.
I believe the game he wore the brace and made the fifty yard sprint to make a saving block inside the 6 yard was the start of a serious problem only agrivated by the match and first half early rush back.
91 Posted 05/02/2015 at 23:33:47
92 Posted 06/02/2015 at 06:39:11
I've pulled Baines out of the sweep to score first, so I may have to back that up tomorrow – Penalty early doors?
At least under TGT I knew Baines would definitely take it.
93 Posted 06/02/2015 at 08:42:39
94 Posted 06/02/2015 at 10:00:24
It would be a pressure penalty alright but I promise you, if the jinx leaves it alone, and we score, I will give you half of my winnings.
I will have a score on Baines anytime, but I will have to get someone else to put the bet on, because I'm as bad as you and Phil!
95 Posted 06/02/2015 at 14:05:13
If there is any pride and fight left in this squad, then surely it must come out in this match?? Agreed no way McCarthy starts in this one. Too soon. The pace will be blistering to start with full-blooded tackles to set the tone (as is usually the case in these) and I would seriously doubt RM would risk him.
Gotta think Besic will be frothing at the mouth for this one. Hopefully he keeps his head on as I would really despair if we're only left with Barry in CM (unless, of course, he get's his walking papers before!)
COYB!!
96 Posted 06/02/2015 at 14:35:53
With Barry and Gibson not available and Besic playing his first derby, the Blues might be a bit vulnerable where it really matters. God knows they could do with a few lucky breaks like the Redshite often get.
97 Posted 06/02/2015 at 16:30:07
Besic isn't playing his first derby, he was in the starting 11 earlier in the season.
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


1 Posted 05/02/2015 at 00:05:50
It is bad news and of course questions need to be asked what is going on with McCarthy.