Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti faced the media ahead of his side’s game against Southampton in the Premier League this weekend.
The Toffees have started the season in incredible fashion. Everton are unbeaten in all competitions having won all but one game so far. The draw at the weekend was the first time they dropped points this term and the real test starts now.
Everton have won just three of their last 10 games against Southampton in all competitions. To make things worse, Richarlison will miss the game after picking up a red card in the Merseyside derby.
The Brazilian is a big miss for the Toffees on his own, but Ancelotti has confirmed that another key Everton player will also be unavailable for the game at St. Mary’s.
James Rodriguez will miss the game due to injury
Ancelotti told Everton TV: “Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [against Liverpool]. 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.”
That is a huge blow for the Toffees. Rodriguez has been incredible for Everton since joining the club. The Colombian has scored three goals and provided four assists in just six games – a stunning record for someone who is playing in the Premier League for the first time.
Richarlison’s and Rodriguez’s absence is a big loss but it opens the door for a other players to step up. Alex Iwobi, Bernard and Anthony Gordon are in line to start against the Saints, and they are all capable of having an impact.
Everton fans are disappointed that their star Colombian will miss out. Here is how a few of them reacted on Twitter.
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