Following Seamus Coleman's long-awaited return to action this week, the full extent of the career-threatening injury the defender has overcome have emerged.
The defender, who turns 21 on Sunday, spent most of the pre-season tour of America in hospital with serious complications due to a horrific foot blister.
Had the full severity of the infection been overlooked during the tour of the USA, Coleman’s career could have been in jeopardy. Instead, the fast actions of the Everton medical team have enabled Coleman to make a full recovery – returning to action for the reserves this week.
Everton's head physio Mick Rathbone told evertonTV: "When we got off the plane in Seattle the doctor gave Seamus some strong antibiotics because the foot was sore but the infection started eating away quickly.
"When the blister was operated on the surgeon explained Doctor Irving had probably saved the lad's career by acting so quickly.”
Coleman played 82 minutes for the Blues reserves as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United at The Stobart Stadium on Tuesday.
His three month absence has stalled Coleman’s progress – but Everton reserve coach Alan Stubbs is confident the Irishman will go from strength to strength having overcome such a serious injury.
Stubbs told evertonTV: "Seamus' return was the biggest plus. Were it not for his injury in the summer, he may well have been knocking on the door (for the first team) already.
"I actually saw a picture of the injury the other day and it was horrendous.
"He had a blister which led to an infection, which in turn led to a big hole in his foot, amongst other things. Everyone at the Club is glad to see him back though and to see him playing again was good."
