Marco Silva has confirmed that James McCarthy will feature in Everton’s matchday squad for the Toffees’ FA Cup clash with Lincoln City.
The Irish midfielder has not been called upon since breaking his leg against West Brom last January, but could make an appearance at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Silva also suggested that the midfielder would be given a chance to prove himself, despite widespread rumours hinting at a January loan departure, as reported in the Liverpool Echo.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash, as quoted in the Telegraph, Silva said: “I can tell you he will be in the 18-man squad list for the match. If he is in the squad he is ready to play.
“He is training every day with us in all the sessions. It is up to me to decide whether he starts the game or not.
“I cannot promise anything. If he is in our squad it is because he has the conditions to play. He is working hard and showing quality.
“He is a player I looked at when I came here. I knew he had a really bad injury and when I became manager he told me how many months he would be out.
“He is fighting to take what he wants – which is to be part of the squad list.”
OPINION
It’s really good news that James McCarthy will be available for Everton on Saturday after such a horrendous injury absence, and it’s even better news that the Irishman will seemingly be given a chance under Silva. Prior to his injury, the midfielder was an integral part of the Toffees’ lineup, and presumably would have remained so had he not broken his leg. Since then the Blues have brought in Andre Gomes to partner Idrissa Gueye in the centre of the park, and on the face of it MCCarthy’s options would appear a lot more limited than they did prior to his injury. That being said, Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies have been inconsistent when called upon as cover in the engine room, and having McCarthy back could be a really great addition for Marco Silva. Talk of a loan deal has really gathered pace, but the club would be daft to let him go when he can still offer so much.