James McCarthy aggravates hamstring injury on Republic of Ireland duty

Going against Everton’s warnings regarding the fitness levels of midfielder James McCarthy, Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill called him up anyway. On top of that, McCarthy was named in the starting eleven for Ireland’s World Cup qualifying match against Wales.

And sure enough, during the pregame warmup, McCarthy re-injured his hamstring and had to be removed from the lineup in favor of Hull City man David Meyler.

While there is no update regarding the injury’s severity as of yet, you would have to say the situation was easily preventable. Don’t select a player whose club has not cleared him to play.

Ronald Koeman has been agitated with Martin O’Neill’s selection choices in the past, and with Morgan Schneiderlin already injured, the Blues’ manager is unlikely to be pleased in the slightest with this latest development.

The two managers have previously engaged in a war of words, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see that continue considering the importance of Everton’s upcoming games.

We’ll provide an update on McCarthy’s injury as soon as one becomes available from the Ireland FA.