James is a doubt for table-topping Everton
Everton are likely to be without James Rodriguez for their visit to Southampton this weekend – after the Colombian was injured by Virgil van Dijk.
The Liverpool defender was clattered by Jordan Pickford in the early stages of the Merseyside Derby last weekend, suffering a grade three tear of his anterior cruciate ligament which is expected to keep him out for months.
Prior to that, however, Van Dijk had fouled James, who now appears to be a serious doubt for Everton’s game at St Mary’s as a result.
Despite managing to complete the game at Goodison Park, the former Real Madrid midfielder has struggled during the week.
“Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game,” Ancelotti explained.
“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.”
James Rodriguez is out of Everton's game vs Southampton after being injured in a tackle with Virgil van Dijk.
Everton fans rn: pic.twitter.com/B8spK2dTYR
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) October 22, 2020
Everton are top of the Premier League table as they head to the south coast having made an unbeaten start to the new season.
The draw with Liverpool was the only game the Toffees have failed to win during the early weeks of the campaign, with James playing a key role in their impressive form.
