Koeman anticipates McCarthy Toffees return

James McCarthy is in line for a return from a hamstring injury in time for a busy December according to Everton manager Ronald Koeman.

The midfielder was left out of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton, having missed much of the week’s training with the problem.

He was back with the squad on Friday, but Koeman felt it was too big a risk to throw him in against Saints with six games coming up over the next month.

Charlie Austin’s goal in the first minute ended up being the difference between the two sides but despite the loss, Koeman had no regrets over leaving the Republic of Ireland international out.

(Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

And the Dutchman reiterated how important depth will be for the Toffees as they look to get back into the race for European spots after a sticky recent patch.

“McCarthy stopped training after the first session [last] week,” he said. “He was tired and had a little problem in his hamstring again.

“He did not train Tuesday or Wednesday. He started training on Friday again and I didn’t take the risk of putting him in the team [against Southampton] because we need everybody fit and available for the busy time coming up.”