The Everton midfielder has been out for nearly three weeks with a hamstring injury.
Ronald Koeman has urged James McCarthy to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland squad and instead spend the upcoming international break at Everton, The Irish Sun reports.
The midfielder has been out of action for nearly three weeks due to a hamstring problem, The Irish Sun reports, and the setback led to a war of words between Koeman and Ireland boss Martin O’Neill.
Republic of Ireland’s James McCarthy in action with Georgia’s Levan Mchedlidze
The Irish Sun suggests that the Toffees boss blamed the injury on McCarthy heading off for international duty too soon after undergoing groin surgery.
And with O’Neill once again calling McCarthy up despite a lengthy absence, Koeman has suggested that the 25-year-old would be wise to stay at Goodison Park during the break so he can concentrate on regaining his fitness.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
“My advice to James is to stay here and do training and get fit as soon as possible. But the final decision is by the player,” he told The Irish Sun.
“First be fit, train with your club and then you’re ready for the national team and not vice versa.
“It’s always difficult because the player is between Ireland and between Everton but I think first of all you need to do what is the best for your club.”
Tottenham’s Danny Rose in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
Though McCarthy has struggled to force his way into Koeman’s plans this season when he has been fit, it is not a surprise that the Everton boss is keen to protect him at this stage of the season.
Doing well over the busy Christmas period could be crucial to the Toffees’ hopes of remaining near the top end of the Premier League, and Koeman will know that having as much as depth as possible could be vital to their chances of doing just that.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
