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James Rodriguez: Everton given injury boost as Ancelotti makes U-turn

By Chris Smith

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: James Rodriguez of Everton is challenged by Sadio Mane of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 17, 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 Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 17: James Rodriguez of Everton is challenged by Sadio Mane of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 17, 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 Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful star playmaker James Rodriguez will be fit to face Southampton, despite previously claiming he would miss the trip to the south coast.

The Colombia international has been one of the Toffees’ shining lights following his summer move from Real Madrid, notching three goals and three assists in five Premier League appearances so far to help Everton to the top of the table.

However, in his press conference on Thursday, Ancelotti revealed Rodriguez was struggling with an injury sustained in a challenge by Virgil van Dijk during Everton’s 2-2 Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool last week.

"Unfortunately, James [Rodriguez] had a problem during the game. He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton. (via Liverpool ECHO)"

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This sparked debate among Evertonians as to who will replace Rodriguez’s creative output against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, with the 29-year-old laying on 15 of the Toffees’ 52 chances in the Premier League so far in 2020/21 — more than any other player.

But speaking to the media once again on Friday, the Ancelotti revealed that Rodriguez may be in contention to face Southampton once again, with the player seemingly in a better place after sitting out training.

"James is not definitely out. He had a big haematoma and was not able to train until today. He is much better now and we have confidence that maybe he can play. Fortunately, I think his recovery was really good and he trained today – he had a partial training session. I hope he is going to train tomorrow and we will see if he is in condition to play on Sunday. (via Sky Sports)"

Ancelotti praises Godfrey after facing “one of the best in the world”

Ancelotti also confirmed defender Ben Godfrey will fill in at right-back in the absence of the injured Seamus Coleman (hamstring) and Jonjoe Kenny (ankle).

The summer arrival from Norwich replaced Coleman just after the half-hour mark of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, with his debut consisting of an hour dealing with Sadio Mane.

But Ancelotti has praised Godfrey’s performance against what he believes to be “one of the world’s best wingers.”

"I think Ben played a good game [against Liverpool after coming on as a substitute for Coleman],” Ancelotti told reporters.He played against one of the best wingers in the world in (Sadio) Mane, so it wasn’t an easy game."

Next. Everton loanee delighted with his loan move, expected to leave Goodison permanently soon. dark

Everton face Southampton at 2 PM (UK time) on Sunday, aiming to extend their five-game unbeaten start to the season and remain atop the Premier League table.

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