Carlo Ancelotti has eased fears that the Toffees could be without a key player after issuing an optimistic injury update.
Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez has been subject of speculation as to whether he will be fit in time to face Manchester United this weekend after suffering what Ancelotti has described as a ‘small injury’.
The 29-year-old is believed to be recovering well despite Ancelotti declining to elaborate on the injury. The club are still classing the issue as the haematoma problem he sustained against Liverpool, and which consequentially put him in doubt for the trip to Southampton.
Despite being seen clutching his hamstring towards the end of the defeat against the Saints, Ancelotti was ‘confident’ that Rodriguez would be passed fit and available to face United on Saturday lunchtime, and the 29-year-old is understood to be ‘making good progress’ at this stage, according to the Liverpool Echo.
In a further boost, Ancelotti has also indicated he is optimistic that fellow summer signing Ben Godfrey will be available after a tight hamstring forced him to miss Everton’s defeat at Newcastle.
Young prospect Jarrad Branthwaite has since been passed fit, but Mason Holgate is no closer to returning from a toe injury he suffered during pre-season after further fitness doubts emerged.
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Rodriguez’ availability would come as a huge boost to the Toffees as speculation over their key playmaker continues to rumble on.
The instrumental role of Rodriguez to Ancelotti’s plans is irrefutable: the Colombian has scored three goals and set up a further three more in just six Premier League outings for the Blues.
Combined with further returning reinforcements, Ancelotti now has a far more reassuring level of depth in his squad.
