Everton Boss Gives Team News Update

Carlo Ancelotti says Everton will check on the fitness of Seamus Coleman, James Rodriguez, Tom Davies and Robin Olsen in training on Wednesday afternoon to determine if they are fit to face West Bromwich Albion on Thursday (6pm GMT).

The quartet missed Monday night’s 1-0 home victory over Southampton with minor injuries.

Ancelotti added Everton will also assess how Allan has recovered from playing his first game after more than two months out in the win against the Saints before deciding if he will feature against West Brom.

The Blues boss confirmed defender Yerry Mina is definitely unavailable for the Blues with a calf injury.

Fabian Delph will also miss Thursday’s game due to a tendon problem, while Jean-Philippe Gbamin is continuing his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury.


When asked at his pre-match press conference whether Coleman, James, Davies and Olsen were in contention for the West Brom match, Ancelotti said: “We have training on Wednesday afternoon and I cannot give the precise information. 

“We are going to check these players in training to see if they will be available or not.

"For sure, we will not have Mina, Delph and Gbamin.

“The other players, we will also check today.”

Monday’s victory over Southampton represented midfielder Allan’s first Everton appearance since the Blues’ 2-0 win at Leicester City on 16 December.

Allan – who was sidelined with a hamstring injury – played the full 90 minutes at Goodison Park. Ancelotti explained why the Blues will take a cautious approach as the Brazilian strives to return to peak fitness. 

“After a few months out, he was maybe not 100 per cent fit [against Southampton],” the Italian added.

“I think the staff worked hard on him. He was in good condition. He was motivated and wanted to play. 

“Of course, he is a player we have to check today [Wednesday] to see if he can play against West Brom. 

“We have to take care a little bit after two months out.

“But his performance against Southampton was really, really good – as usual. His performances are very consistent.

"He is not up and down. His consistency is always at the top.”

The West Brom contest kicks off less than 72 hours after Everton took to the field at Goodison Park on Monday.

Following the game at The Hawthorns, the Blues will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday 8 March – and Ancelotti underlined the importance of utilising the depth of quality in his squad amid such a congested fixture programme.

"It is true there are a lot a of games but we will not complain about the schedule," he added.

"We had 10 days before the game against Southampton, so we could prepare the team well for that game. 

"Now it is a busy time.

"For sure, rotation will be important to avoid injury and keep all the players motivated."