Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti announced this morning that James Rodriguez and captain Seamus Coleman are set to miss out on Sunday’s Premier League matchup vs Southampton due to injury.
Speaking to Everton TV, Ancelotti revealed that James Rodriguez was injured when colliding with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk in last weekend’s Merseyside Derby.
"Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [v Liverpool]. He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and he will not be available for the game against Southampton."
Meanwhile, Coleman, who came off with a hamstring injury in last weekend’s game, is set to miss two or three weeks with no major issues, Ancelotti revealed.
Due to other existing injuries and absences from Mason Holgate (toe) and Richarlison (suspension), Everton will look to their bench to fill any gaps in their starting eleven for this week’s game.
Ancelotti stated in his announcement that Everton will have opportunities to replace Rodriguez and Richarlison, and needs to put in players that have the desire to play.
"We are working this week on this and I think we are going to choose a good line-up for the game against Southampton."
Alex Iwobi, who has yet to start this season for Everton, is looking to be a top candidate to get some starting minutes versus the Saints.
"Alex is a player who works hard. He is fast and with his quality he can help the team be better in certain situations."
Ancelotti said before also not ruling out minutes for Bernard and Anthony Gordon.
On the positive front, it looks as though midfielder Allan will be available this weekend without issue, and Jonjoe Kenny may also be available after being able to recover from an ankle issue, rejoining his teammates this week.
Everton will look to build on their strong start to the season as they go up against a Southampton side that has lost just two of their last 12 Premier League games.