Everton: 3 players who need to step up in absence of James Rodriguez

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 03: James Rodriguez of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion at Goodison Park on October 03, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

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Carlo Ancelotti dropped a bombshell when he announced James Rodriguez is ruled out for the Southampton trip.

Thursday afternoon came as a big blow to all Evertonians across the globe as Carlo Ancelotti announced that James Rodriguez and Seamus Coleman have been ruled out for the Sunday’s game against Southampton. While Jonjoe Kenny has recovered from his injury and will be in contention to start at the right back, the injury to James has shaken up the fans.

To make matters worse, Richarlison received a red card in the derby and is set to miss the next 3 games meaning the Toffees will be without two of their three key personnel in the attack.

Must Read. Everton vs. Southampton Injury update: Toffees without key personnel. light

To say that the Colombian has instantly hit the ground running since his arrival at Goodison is an understatement. Rodriguez has revitalized the team becoming the creative lynchpin of the Everton team that is on the rise.

His absence will hurt the most but now is the time for Ancelotti to flaunt the squad depth he has and demonstrate that it’s not only a group of players who are performing but the entire team is stepping up to the task.

Here are the players who must step up in James’ absence:

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