Everton and Ireland midfielder James McCarthy broke his tibia and fibula in a freak accident on Saturday when he tackled West Brom striker Salomon Rondon in the Toffees 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
McCarthy had to be stretchered off just before the hour mark after breaking his leg while chasing down Rondon who was through on goal.
Rondon burst into tears after the challenge while Allardyce later confirmed that McCarthy would be sidelined until sometime next season and added that the 27-year-old paid a heavy price for his commitment.
“He was getting sharper and sharper and fitter and fitter with every game,” Allardyce told the club’s official website.
“I don’t know [if he’ll be operated on tonight], but we’ll do it as quickly as we possibly can. I think it very much depends on the specialist or surgeon that deals with it.
“The tib and fib are broken and it’s because of his really brave efforts to try to stop West Brom’s possible goalscoring opportunity. He’s paid a heavy price for his commitment there.
“He’s missed so many games and we’d actually thought we’d overcome the little problems he’d been having, and he’s been playing regularly.
“Now this is one serious injury that we know will keep him out until next season at some stage and it’s a big blow.
“All of us wish James well and hope that he will recover as quickly as possible.”
Absolutely devastated. Rivalries are forgotten about when a colleague suffers such an unlucky injury. Really hope to see you back playing again soon, @JMcCarthy_16.#GetWellSoonJames pic.twitter.com/pamazH8fCO
— Salomón Rondón (@salorondon23) January 20, 2018
Gutted for your injury mate, wish you a speedy recovery. You will come back even stronger!!!💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 @jamesmccarthy90 pic.twitter.com/jBzjAhtE1Z
— Ramiro Funes Mori (@funesmoriofi25) January 20, 2018
"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
Gutted for James McCarthy. #EVEWBA #IRL
— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) January 20, 2018
Devastated for you @JMcCarthy_16, wishing you a speedy recovery lad. 🙏🏻
— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley8) January 20, 2018
