Roberto Martinez: James McCarthy injury ‘a real negative’

Everton and Ireland midfielder James McCarthy will be assessed ahead of next weekend’s game against Tottenham Hotspur, after limping off just 26 minutes into Sunday’s defeat to Stoke City.

Tom Cleverley will also be examined after injuring his Achilles tendon, Everton boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed.

The midfielder replaced McCarthy after less than a half an hour of the 4-3 defeat to the Potters, but himself made way midway through the second half for Steven Naismith.

Given he had just set up Romelu Lukaku for the Belgian’s second goal of the afternoon, it was a surprise to see him head off the pitch but Martinez revealed the switch had been enforced.

McCarthy, meanwhile, will also be monitored after suffering a recurrence of the groin injury that had kept him sidelined for five games prior to his return to the starting line-up.

“To lose Tom Cleverley through injury and to get a reaction, a flare up from James McCarthy is a real negative,” said Martinez at the full-time whistle. “It was a blow to lose James so early. We felt we needed an extra energy and you saw that with his impact in with the assist for the first goal.

“Tom then felt his Achilles tendon and we will have to assess it. He tried to stay on as long as he could. He played the pass for Romelu Lukaku for the second goal but he had to come off. He made a really big impact when he came on and he was playing a massive role.”

Both players will now be assessed ahead of Everton’s next game, against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on Sunday.