James McCarthy Injury: Updates on Everton Star's Hamstring and Return

Everton midfielder James McCarthy has returned to the Everton lineup for the team's Boxing Day clash with Stoke.

Continue for updates.

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McCarthy Back vs. Stoke

Friday, Dec. 26

The Premier League's official Twitter feed updated McCarthy's status for Friday:

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McCarthy Eyeing Stoke Clash

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Roberto Martinez is leaving it late to decide on McCarthy's availability for the Boxing Day clash with Stoke:

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Hamstring Injury Forces McCarthy to Exit vs. Wolfsburg

Thursday, Nov. 27

The club's official Twitter feed shared the news as he was replaced by Leon Osman:

No contact appeared to be involved with the injury, as the 24-year-old seemed to surprise the Everton bench when he signalled for a substitution. The Liverpool Echo's Tony Scott had high praise for the midfield man:

After a difficult start to the season, Everton has seen great success since early October, per WhoScored.com, and McCarthy has been one of the team's most underrated performers.

The veteran Osman is an experienced option as a replacement, but is most effective in a role coming off the bench, where he is likely to remain despite McCarthy's injury.