Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SAINTS ACE STRUGGLES FOR FITNESS
MICHAEL OBAFEMI suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury in Southampton’s defeat to Arsenal yesterday.
And it is a concern for Ireland boss Mick Mccarthy (below) ahead of next week’s squad announcement for the upcoming Euro 2020 games with Gibraltar and Georgia.
Obafemi was introduced as a halftime substitute at the Emirates Stadium – but only lasted 20 minutes.
If was the teenage striker’s first appearance for Southampton in almost two months since suffering the initial hamstring injury against Huddersfield on December 22.
Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl said the setback was a “disaster” for the 18-year-old.
He added: “I’m very disappointed for Michael and it’s horrible for him to have this problem after just 20 minutes.
“He is a guy who is very quick and we are working hard with him on his body shape and posture.”
Obafemi is held in high regard by the Premier League club and last week signed a three-year contract extension.
Saints will make a detailed assessment of the injury today but with just four weeks before the Gibraltar game, Obafemi faces a race against time.
Elsewhere, Mccarthy is hoping that his namesake James Mccarthy features in Everton’s clash at Cardiff City tomorrow.
The Toffees midfielder has not played since breaking his leg a year ago but has been in Everton squads of late.
“I’ve been in regular contact with James since I returned to the job and I know how hard he has worked to get himself back,” said the manager.
“The one thing James needs now is game time and he knows that. James is a top quality Premier League player and I’d love to be in a position to name him in my squad.
“I need him to play for Everton. That could be with the first team or it could be with the under-23s. I don’t mind.”