Ronald Koeman responds when asked if James McCarthy will start for Everton against Lyon

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Everton are due to face Lyon in the Europa League tomorrow evening at Goodison Park.

Ronald Koeman has stated at his most recent press conference, which was broadcast on Everton’s Periscope channel, that James McCarthy will not be in the Toffees’ squad to face Lyon tomorrow.

McCarthy has not featured for Everton this season, due to injury, but the midfielder is close to making his comeback now.

The Republic of Ireland international played 45 minutes for Everton’s under-23 side in midweek, to regain some match sharpness.

But it seems that McCarthy will not be returning to Everton’s team before this weekend.

“James won’t be involved tomorrow, he needs more time. It’s a possibility [that he will play on Sunday],” Koeman said.

Everton go into their match against Lyon knowing that picking up a victory will be crucial to their hopes of progressing in the Europa League.

The Toffees have picked up just one point from their first two group stage matches in the European competition.

McCarthy’s return to the fold for the Toffees will be welcome as it increases the options available to Koeman.

Everton’s next Premier League match comes against Arsenal at the weekend, when McCarthy could be involved again.