Everton look set to be without a key creative maestro ahead of their FA Cup clash with Tottenham tomorrow after Carlo Ancelotti confirmed fans’ injury fears.
James Rodriguez was brought off before the full-time whistle in the Toffees’ stunning 3-3 comeback against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday night, but not before the Colombian slotted a vital goal.
Replaced by Gylfi Sigurdsson with just over 20 minutes to go, Rodriguez appeared to have been deep in conversation with manager Carlo Ancelotti, presumably over the nature of his injury.
Ancelotti has since confirmed that the 29-year-old has sustained a calf strain, with the playmaker taken off in order to prevent further aggravation of his injury.
The Italian told the Liverpool Echo: “He had a problem on his calf at the end of the first-half. We tried for 10-15 minutes [of the second-half] but the calf was tight. I prefer to take him off.”
It is unclear as to whether Rodriguez would be cleared fit in time to face Spurs, but Ancelotti’s cautious tact with the injury may either boost the player’s chances of featuring by being taken off in time, or hamper the likelihood of him playing if the manager continues to have his reservations.
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Rodriguez is forcing his way into an invaluable position in Ancelotti’s plans. His tide-turning equaliser against the Red Devils was merely the tip of the iceberg with regards to the bountiful threat offered by the Colombian.
With five goals and seven assists in just 18 appearances in all competitions this season, he looks to be an ever-shrewder acquisition.
It may well be that the Toffees come unstuck without their key playmaker if he isn’t deemed fit enough to start against Tottenham – expect Sigurdsson or Iwobi to deputise in his stead.
