EVERTON manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed James Rodriguez could be fit for his side’s trip to Southampton.
The Colombian was injured in the Toffees’ 2-2 draw with rivals Liverpool last weekend and was believed to be a doubt for Sunday’s match.
James Rodriguez was a doubt for Everton’s trip to Southampton
However, James resumed training on Friday and Ancelotti believes he could be in contention for the visit to St Mary’s.
Ancelotti said: “James is not definitely out.
“He had a big haematoma and was not able to train until today.
“He is much better now and we have confidence that maybe he can play.
“Fortunately, I think his recovery was really good and he trained today – he had a partial training session.
“I hope he is going to train tomorrow and we will see if he is in condition to play on Sunday.”
News of the ex-Real Madrid man’s fitness will come as a huge boost to Everton, who will already be without suspended Richarlison for the trip down south.
Ancelotti drew criticism earlier this week for appearing to blame Virgil van Dijk for a mistimed tackle on James.
Times reporter Paul Joyce accused Ancelotti of mentioning the Liverpool centre-back as a “points-scoring exercise” after van Dijk himself received a potentially season-ending injury from Jordan Pickford’s horror-tackle in the derby.
Ancelotti responded: “I simply said it was a contact with Van Dijk, it could be a contact with Matip, with….it’s in the first minute you can watch.
“That’s football, it can happen.”
Ancelotti also confirmed new signing Ben Godfrey will make his full debut for the club against Southampton at right-back, with both Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny sidelined.
Sam Allardyce feels Jordan Pickford should’ve been sent off in Everton v Liverpool match
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
