An injury setback in training has reportedly ruled Everton midfielder James McCarthy out of this weekend's Merseyside derby.

McCarthy has been battling with a hamstring problem since November, and the Republic of Ireland international was initially expected to return in the win over Crystal Palace last weekend.

After Roberto Martinez decided against using the 24-year-old at Selhurst Park, it appeared that he would be named in the squad for the visit of Liverpool to Goodison Park.

However, McCarthy suffered a recurrence of the problem in training, and he could be out for another fortnight, according to The Guardian.

Muhamed Besic is likely to start alongside Gareth Barry in midfield if McCarthy does miss out.