Ancelotti Delivers Latest James Fitness Update

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says James Rodriguez has "recovered well" and has a chance of featuring in Everton's Premier League game at Southampton on Sunday (2pm).

The Colombian suffered a knock in last weekend's 2-2 Merseyside derby draw at Goodison Park and looked set to miss the Saints clash.

Ancelotti, however, revealed James was "partially involved" in Everton training on Friday and his fitness will be assessed ahead of Sunday's contest.

Club Captain Seamus Coleman will miss the game after sustaining a hamstring injury against Liverpool, while Jonjoe Kenny remains sidelined with an ankle problem but is closing in on a First-Team return.

Ancelotti confirmed deadline day signing Ben Godfrey will start at right-back at Southampton.

"James is not definitely out," said Ancelotti, who was speaking at his pre-match press conference at USM Finch Farm.

"He had a big hematoma and was not able to train until today [Friday].

"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.

"Jonjoe Kenny is not ready yet. He has to train more, while Seamus is out."


Mason Holgate remains unavailable with a toe injury, while fellow centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is training individually as he recovers from an ankle problem.

Striker Cenk Tosun (ACL) and midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin (Achilles) are both continuing their rehabilitation programmes.

With established right-backs Coleman and Kenny out of Sunday's game, England Under-21 international Godfrey will again deputise in that position following an accomplished debut display last weekend.

The 22-year-old played for more than an hour against Liverpool after replacing Coleman, and mixed polished defending with enterprising attacking play.

"Ben played a good game [against Liverpool]," Ancelotti said.

"After the first 15 minutes of the first half, where he had difficulty, the second half was really better.

"Also, you have to consider he played against one of the best wingers in the world in Sadio Mane.

"It was not an easy game for him but he was good, in my opinion.

"We tried him as a right-back this week in some exercises. He has all the qualities to play at right-back.

"I have no doubts about this and he will play there on Sunday."