Ronald Koeman’s concerns over the fitness of James McCarthy have been realised with the Everton midfielder facing an extended spell on the sidelines with a torn hamstring.

The Everton manager accused the Republic of Ireland of “killing the player” this month after McCarthy started two World Cup qualifiers in four days.

The midfielder had been missing for almost six weeks before the games against Georgia and Moldova because of groin surgery and Koeman described the 25-year-old as “massively overloaded” upon his return from Ireland duty.

McCarthy appeared as a late substitute in Everton’s draw at Manchester City after the World Cup double-header, his first appearance at club level since 23 August.

However, he was absent from the squad who lost at Burnley on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring tear sustained in training.

Everton host West Ham United on Sunday with the optimism that surrounded Koeman’s bright start fading following five matches without a win.