Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the Toffees will be without James Rodriguez for their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester United.
Everton Midfielder James Rodriguez to Miss Quarter-Final Clash
Delayed Return
Ancelotti has been without his star midfielder since the start of the month after he suffered a calf injury during their 1-1 draw with Burnley.
The Toffees have done remarkably without him, though. A 1-0 win over Chelsea followed the draw at Turf Moor, before they then followed that up with wins against Leicester City and Arsenal.
While they were hoping for the Colombian to return for the visit of United, it may be Boxing Day when Everton fans see Rodriguez next in action.
Speaking about the 29-year-old during his pre-match press conference, the Italian 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.
“We have to wait a little bit.
“He is going to recover well and properly.
“The season finishes in May – for all the players, they need a proper rehab to avoid problems in the future, when the season might be more important than now.
“James can be available for the next game, or the game after [Manchester City on 28 December].”
The Colombian has played a major part in Everton’s successful start to the season. He has scored three goals in 11 appearances, registering four assists in that time.
Despite not registering a goal or assists since their 2-2 draw against Merseyside rivals Liverpool, Rodriguez has still had a huge effect on the Toffees. In his last appearances again the Clarets, he completed 52 of his 65 passes and registered three shots at goal.
However, his manager is not keen to push his recovery as stated in order for him to regain full fitness.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
