Everton's James McCarthy has been ruled out for up to three weeks with a hamstring knock, meaning he willmiss the Toffees busy Christmas and New Year fixture list, in which they play three matches in eight days.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder picked up the knock in Everton's 0-1 defeat to rivals Liverpool on Monday night, in which he was substituted,and has now apparently been assessed by the club's medical staff according to
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BREAKING: Everton midfielder James McCarthy out for up to three weeks with hamstring injury. #SSNHQ
The 26-year-old has largely been overlooked in favour of Idrissa Gueye, Ross Barkley and Gareth Barry by Ronald Koeman, since his summer installment as manager.
McCarthy, who has made seven league appearances this campaign,had been linked with a move away from Goodison park this winter, with Celtic among his rumoured suitors.
However, the new injury concerns may place a spanners in and around the proverbial works of any January deals.
Our readers don't hold out much hope of Celtic signing James McCarthyhttps://t.co/5T7i4ZZ4ST pic.twitter.com/mRXGXi60Fm
McCarthy isEverton's third high profile midfield injury, with Muhamed Besic and Yannick Bolasie both ruled out long term.
The Toffees have won just two in their last ten andtravel to champions Leicester on Boxing Day, before a trip Hull on December 30 and a home tie against Southampton in the new year.