James Rodriguez
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Everton could still be without James Rodriguez for their important trip to face Chelsea on Monday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti remarked: “I don’t know, I think we have to check. Maybe he is not for the game against Chelsea, for the next one yes.”
Everton made a number of changes for their win over West Brom which included Allan and Gylfi Sigurdsson being named on the bench. However, both would prove to be influential as they came on in the second half to help the Blues secure all three points – with the latter providing the assist for Richarlison’s winner.
Carlo Ancelotti added: “It was to rest, also for Sigurdsson, because Allan didn’t play for two months so to give him two matches in three days was too much. So I prefer to give him a rest. For Sigurdsson it was exactly the same. Sigurdsson is not so young, he needs time to recover! Of course I am joking, but I wanted to give him a little bit of rest.”
Despite being cautious over the fitness of Rodriguez, Ancelotti does hope that Tom Davies can be fit once more for the game against Chelsea after he missed his side’s last two wins. The 22-year-old has been in fantastic form in recent weeks, but Allan has stepped back into the side seamlessly to take that position in his absence. However, Ancelotti see a problem with the pair working together in the same starting line-up.
Carlo Ancelotti said: “Yes, it can be an option of course, they can play together for sure. Tom Davies is doing really well, I hope he can recover soon and I hope he will be available for the game against Chelsea.”
