Use your head and sign up now for the Everton FC newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Ronald Koeman has cast doubt over whether James McCarthy will be fit enough to play for Everton before the end of the season.

The midfielder has not figured for the Blues since a substitute appearance during their away defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at the start of March.

McCarthy has completed 90 minutes just twice all season as he has been plagued with muscle problems.

He angered Koeman by declaring himself fit to be called up by the Republic of Ireland before their World Cup qualifying match with Wales last month, only to be withdrawn after aggravating a long-term hamstring complaint.

Asked about the midfielder's availability between now and the end of the current campaign, Koeman was not optimistic.

He said: "He is still working seperate of the group."

Pressed on whether he may figure at all before the end of the season he added: "I don't know. I don't know. "There are four weeks to go and I don't know if he will be at a good level physically to play- we will wait.

"It's not the first time he's been out. We need to see how he's recovering and at what time he'll be available I don't know."

Koeman had better news on another prolonged absentee, Mo Besic, who is nearing a full comeback.

"Mo will play his second game tomorrow for the u-23s (against Chelsea)," he said."He's working very hard and is close to being back."