We wish him a speedy recovery.
Everton’s clash with West Brom came to a standstill on Saturday afternoon as Republic of Ireland international James McCarthy suffered a suspected broken leg.
The Toffees man was attempting to stop Salomon Rondon after the Baggies striker was played through but his last-ditch challenge.
"Rondon has gone away in tears" – Sounds like a horrific injury for James McCarthy at Goodison Park. Seamus Coleman is on his way to console his teammate, we can only hope it is not as bad as it sounds. #BTSportScore pic.twitter.com/lHCTP8kQuN
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 20, 2018
Just as Rondon pulled the trigger to shoot, McCarthy’s planted his foot in front of the Venezuelan. As Rondon followed through, it snapped McCarthy’s leg. According to the BBC, the midfielder suffered a double leg break (two breaks in the one leg, not two legs, just in case you were wondering).
The incident left Rondon in tears as McCarthy received treatment on the pitch at Goodison Park. West Brom manager Alan Pardew came on to the pitch to console his player.
The news will resonate strongly with Ireland fans, of course, following Seamus Coleman’s leg break against Wales last year. While the Donegal man is set for a return to competitive action after nine months out, his club and international teammate will almost certainly be out for as long, if not longer.
An unfortunate clash with Saloman Rondon looks to have seriously injured James McCarthy. Rondon in floods of tears despite being blameless.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 20, 2018
60' Heart-breaking moment for James McCarthy as he is stretchered off with what looks like a broken leg after a last-ditch challenge. Thoughts with James. #EFC
— Everton (@Everton) January 20, 2018
It’s a heartbreaking development for McCarthy, who only recently returned to the Everton first-team after overcoming a persistent knee problem.
Coleman, who was watching the match from a directors’ box high up in the stands, is reported to have come down to the pitch to comfort McCarthy as he was stretchered off down the tunnel. The left-back will know all too well the pain McCarthy will be feeling right now and it was a class act from the Ireland captain to go down and perhaps give his teammate some much-needed words of encouragement.
Seamus Coleman appears to be leaving his seat in the directors' box possibly going to wait for and be with his club and international team-mate. He of all people will know the pain McCarthy is in right now. #EFC
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) January 20, 2018
