Everton's James McCarthy departs Goodison Park on a stretcher after breaking his leg againt West Bromwich Albion this morning (NZT). Photo / Getty Images.
James McCarthy is set to miss the rest of the season after the Everton midfielder suffered a double broken leg against West Brom.
The injury-hit McCarthy was on the receiving end of a challenge from Solomon Rondon during their Premier League encounter on Saturday.
Rondon was left in tears and had to be consoled by his team-mates after seeing McCarthy in agony on the floor.
It later emerged he suffered a compound fracture.
The incident occurred during the second half at Goodison Park when the pair battled for the ball.
McCarthy was trying to intercept the ball with his right leg, before Rondon accidentally made contact with it while winding up to kick the ball.
McCarthy was immediately in a heap on the floor as both Rondon and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford signaled for treatment.
The striker was distraught at what he'd done as players from both sides tried to comfort the target man.
He tweeted after the game to express his shock. "Absolutely devasted," he said. "Rivalries are forgotten about when a colleague suffers such an unlucky injury. Really hope to see you back playing again soon."
The 27-year-old McCarthy was quickly carried off on a stretcher before being rushed to hospital.
Both sets of fans stood to clap McCarthy off as he was given oxygen to help him deal with the excruciating pain.
Everton boss Sam Allardyce described McCarthy's double leg break as an 'awful injury'.
The Toffees boss confirmed the midfielder had broken his tibia and fibula.
Allardyce added: "We'll do the operation as quick as we can. He's paid a heavy price for his commitment there. A big blow for him and us.
"This will keep him out until next season at some stage."
Chris Wood scored what proved to be the decisive goal after having one ruled out by VAR.