With Two Stars Ruled Out, Who Could Step Up Against the Saints?

The Toffees have been dealt both foreseen and unforeseen blows ahead of their south coast clash with Southampton at the weekend.

Everton were already set to lose key Brazilian attacker Richarlison to suspension following the red card he received after a lunging tackle.

His absence will now be compounded by Ancelotti’s latest comments to the Everton club website confirming that the Colombian attacker James Rodriguez will also miss the weekend’s south coast trip following a minor injury he sustained against Liverpool.

“Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [against Liverpool],” Ancelotti told Evertontv.

“He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton.”

So who are the likely candidates that could fill in for the two formidable threats?

Bernard

Richarlison’s Brazilian compatriot has fallen down the pecking order at Goodison Park. Bernard has remained among the unused subs in all five league matches, failing to feature this season in the Premier League.

As Bernard was used as an attacking midfielder in Everton’s Carabao Cup wins, that would suggest he may not be viewed by the Everton manager as a clear option for the left-wing role at present. Consequentially, he may not be viewed as a natural replacement for Richarlison, nor out on the other flank.

Alex Iwobi

A more likely candidate for Southampton is Nigerian international Alex Iwobi. Iwobi is equally a peripheral back-up option and has yet to start a league match, but he has been summoned from the bench in the last four games and assisted a goal for Rodriguez in the Toffees’ 4-2 win over Brighton.

He remains a more likely option and has been trusted by Ancelotti previously. He can also play out wide on the right – something that may prove crucial as Everton draft in cover for Rodriguez.

Anthony Gordon

A wildcard option could be Everton’s academy prospect Anthony Gordon. The youngster has also only accumulated appearances in the Carabao Cup, though he is positionally comfortable on the left. He caught the eye as he assisted two goals as well as winning a penalty in his features this season.

However, he has only made four league starts for the Blues in his career, and three of them were at home. He lacks a proven track record of success, although his promising talents are clearly acknowledged by Ancelotti.

Despite this, Ancelotti is unlikely to take a chance on the 19-year-old in an away match for his table-topping Everton team.