Carlo Ancelotti issues fitness update on Rodriguez and Mina
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed James Rodriguez is back fit and available to play for Everton against Sheffield United on Sunday.
The attacking midfielder has missed the last three Everton games due to a calf problem, but he returned to full training on Friday, via Evertonfc.com.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti also shared that Yerry Mina is suffering from a minor adductor problem, so will miss this weekend’s match, having missed the Aston Villa draw on Thursday.
Mina has started just one of the last five matches and it is not clear if he will return before the season concludes.
Big boost
As things stand ahead of the match against the Blades Everton are just two points off West Ham in sixth place.
Qualifying for the Europa League is still a very realistic possibility, and Rodriguez’s return increases our chances of winning our remaining games.
On paper we should beat Sheffield United comfortably but we have struggled at home against defensive sides this term, particularly without the Colombian.
Hopefully, the “outstanding” star will provide the creativity to unlock their defence and help us to a crucial three points [Liverpool Echo].
After that comes another very winnable match against Wolves before we travel to Manchester City on the final day.
We simply must take six points from our next two games to have a chance of reaching Europe.
And since City will not have anything to play for on the final day, we could just snatch an unlikely victory. After all, we have been brilliant away from home this season.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are in the hunt to sign an ‘incredible’ teenager hailed as future star by manager.
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