Seamus Coleman still ‘way off’ return, according to Everton boss Sam Allardyce

It's been nine months since the Republic of Ireland and Everton full-back broke his leg.

Sam Allardyce has said that Seamus Coleman is still not close to returning to competitive action. The right-back has been out since March when he suffered a broken leg after a reckless challenge by Wales defender Neil Taylor. There had been a glimmer of hope that Coleman would return around Christmas, but the Everton manager has poured cold water over an imminent return, with the former England manager not revealing a timeline for the Irishman's return.

“Seamus Coleman is still a way off. That’s one we would like to get back.”

Coleman's Toffees and Ireland teammate James McCarthy appears to be closer to a return, however, with the Glasgow-born midfielder participating in a training game during the week. McCarthy has suffered a succession of set-backs on his road to recovery but looks set to turn out for the Merseyside club in the next couple of weeks. It will be another major boost for Allardyce's side following the return of winger Yannick Bolasie, who played his first game in the 0-0 draw with West Brom on Boxing Day following more than a year out.