Ronald Koeman has urged Republic of Ireland boss Martin O'Neill to "protect" James McCarthy after the Everton midfielder was called up for the double-header with Georgia and Moldova next week.
McCarthy has been struggling with a groin injury but O'Neill was happy to select him for the World Cup qualification Group D collisions, saying: "I've spoken to our doctor who says James McCarthy is making good progress. We'll see how he progresses."
However Koeman said the 25-year-old's inclusion was a "risk", highlighting his six-week absence from any meaningful action and admitted he'll be sweating on his fitness.
"James is close," said the Dutchman. "Normally he'd start training with the team next week but international breaks are coming up and they [Republic of Ireland] called him up after six weeks of not playing.
"We have to accept that as a FIFA rule and he likes to go. I hope that they will protect him.
"They have to realise he hasn't trained in five or six weeks. The same happened with Seamus Coleman and it went well luckily but it's always a risk.
"He had an operation four or five weeks ago but we will see how it goes."
McCarthy will not figure in the Toffees' Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Friday night, with Leighton Baines also ruled out.
Baines has been nursing a hamstring injury that Koeman says makes it "too risky" for the full-back to be involved in the game, though striker Romelu Lukaku - recently troubled by a toe problem - will start.
The Toffees will also be without Leighton Baines for Friday night's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.
Baines has been nursing a hamstring injury that Koeman says makes it "too risky" for the full-back to be involved in the game, which striker Romelu Lukaku - recently troubled by a toe problem - will start.
