Everton boss Sam Allardyce is upset for James McCarthy after his double leg fracture suffered in their 1-1 draw with West Brom.

The Republic of Ireland international was stretchered off after being involved in a 61st-minute challenge with Salomón Rondón at Goodison Park.

McCarthy, 27, only returned from a spate of hamstring issues at the turn of the year and Allardyce said: “It's a tib and fib fracture, and compounded as well. It's a nasty one.

“He was getting sharper and sharper and fitter and fitter with every game.

“I don't know [if he'll be operated on tonight], but we'll do it as quickly as we possibly can. I think it very much depends on the specialist or surgeon that deals with it.

“The tib and fib are broken and it's because of his really brave efforts to try to stop West Brom's possible goalscoring opportunity. He's paid a heavy price for his commitment there.

“He's missed so many games and we'd actually thought we'd overcome the little problems he'd been having, and he's been playing regularly.

“Now this is one serious injury that we know will keep him out until next season at some stage and it's a big blow.

“All of us wish James well and hope that he will recover as quickly as possible."