Only a matter of weeks after being singled out for his determination by Everton boss Sam Allardyce, James McCarthy has suffered yet another harrowing setback.
Having returned to a side desperately struggling to piece together a meaningful run of form, the Irish international was the victim of a horrible bit of luck this afternoon as the Toffees hosted West Bromwich Albion.
Trying desperately to make a last-ditch tackle on Salomón Rondón as he shaped to shoot at goal, disaster struck and McCarthy now looks set to miss the remainder of this season.
It was an accidental collision that left Rondón, the unwitting culprit, in tears.
News of McCarthy's injury spread rapidly, figures from all walks of sport sending their condolences to a player who has now suffered the latest in a long line of serious injuries.
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
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
Devastated for you @JMcCarthy_16, wishing you a speedy recovery lad. 🙏🏻
— Ross Barkley (@RBarkley8) January 20, 2018
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
I hope it won’t be as serious as it looks James, get well soon, rest is only football #EVEWBA pic.twitter.com/ccn8Nb2ceu
— Grzegorz Krychowiak (@GrzegKrychowiak) January 20, 2018
Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, @JMcCarthy_16.#WBA pic.twitter.com/x8beFYtcp5
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) January 20, 2018
Rondon almost crying in horror after seeing the injury to James McCarthy. Seems very bad #EFC
— Greg O'Keeffe (@GregOK) January 20, 2018
James McCarthy's inclusion today meant he was involved in Everton's five most recent games - the last time he'd done that was May 2016. Such a cruel run of bad luck.
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) January 20, 2018
Gutted for James McCarthy. #EVEWBA #IRL
— Jim Beglin (@jimbeglin) January 20, 2018
All the best to James McCarthy who has suffered a double leg break against West Brom today.
— Lion of Vienna Suite (@LionOfViennaSte) January 20, 2018
Devastating for @JMcCarthy_16. Busts a gut to get back and prevent a goal and his reward appears to be a broken leg -and a serious one at that. He’s one unlucky player
— Carl Markham (@carlmarkham) January 20, 2018
Horrendous injury for James McCarthy. Wish him a full and speedy recovery.
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 20, 2018
Hope James McCarthy can come back from this injury #efc
— David Thompson (@77thomo) January 20, 2018
I feel terrible for @JMcCarthy_16 I am praying you recover and come back stronger my man 🙏🏿
— Idrissa Gana Gueye (@IGanaGueye) January 20, 2018
Awful injury to Everton’s James McCarthy. Solomon Rondon in tears..
— Manish Bhasin (@_manishbhasin) January 20, 2018
James McCarthy is cursed😔
— Luke Byrne (@LukeByrne93) January 20, 2018
Seamus Coleman appears to have left the stand to go visit James McCarthy. Class.
— Royal Blue Mersey (@RBMersey) January 20, 2018
Wish James McCarthy all the best after he's suffered a serious looking injury for Everton today.
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) January 20, 2018
Horrendous injury for James McCarthy. Wish him a full and speedy recovery.
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) January 20, 2018
Our best wishes are with James McCarthy as he recovers from injury. pic.twitter.com/drJq7jdJH2
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 20, 2018
Facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Allardyce confirmed that McCarthy had been rushed straight for surgery after the incident itself.
It is likely to be a long road to recovery, but it is one McCarthy will unquestionably be determined to make.
