Everton are set to begin an in-depth analysis of James McCarthy’s persistent hamstring injuries after the Republic of Ireland midfielder limped out of Everton’s 2-0 victory over Wolfsburg on Thursday night.
“I think that we need to understand that as a young man, he is only 23, he has played a huge amount of games — I think it is over 160 Premier League fixtures already. That is incredible.
“His body is getting used to the demands that come from playing European and international football and the domestic competitions as well. So we need to make sure we find the right balance.”
“That could go as far as nutrition, making sure the balance between resting and playing the games is right and we will help him in that respect. But it is one of those injuries that comes for the right reasons — just because you are on the pitch.
“He is whole-hearted, he is a sprinter and obviously the soft tissues are always at risk in the way that he is whole-hearted and he gives everything in every performance.
“We are getting James checked out. We do need to get him checked out and find out exactly what the problem is.”
Martinez on McCarthy: “It is a problem we need to look at because he has had it before.” #TOTvEFC
— Everton (@Everton) November 28, 2014
Martinez revealed his concern at the fact that McCarthy’s injury cropped up so early in the Europa League tie two days ago.
“I would have had regrets if the injury had happened in the 80th minute or in the later stages of the game because clearly then it is because the tissues are fatigued and you are running a bigger risk.
“Football is a contact sport and you always run the risk of injuries. But this was different.
“It was after 10 or 15 minutes and the soft tissues should have been in good condition.
“As it is now, what I am focusing on is trying to get deep into the bottom of the problem and making sure we give him the right amount of playing time and the same amount for his body recover and slowly allow him to cope with the demands his role in the football club and at international level represents.”
