Everton will be without James Rodriguez for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash with Manchester United, as confirmed by Carlo Ancelotti in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
The 29-year-old is struggling with a calf injury which kept him out of Everton’s recent wins over Chelsea, Leicester and Arsenal. He is on the recovery trail but may have to wait until the Boxing Day trip to Sheffield United or Monday’s meeting with Manchester City to feature.
Ancelotti said: “We are not concerned, we are sad because James is an important player for us, but if he is not ready we don’t have to push and force him to come back.”
The Colombian international has made 11 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees since joining on a two-year deal from Real Madrid in September, scoring three goals and supplying four assists. In 10 Premier League games, he has created 25 chances and made 19 successful dribbles (WhoScored), so he has been an effective playmaker for Ancelotti’s side.
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Everton haven’t suffered in Rodriguez’s recent absence, with three consecutive league wins ahead of their meeting with United, so Ancelotti should be confident of getting a result at Goodison Park even without the Colombian.
Victory would see the Toffees in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2015/16, and if the 29-year-old is back by then, the Toffees’ chances of going the distance may further increase.
In other news, Abdoulaye Doucoure outlined one major target for Everton this season.
