Everton suffer double injury blow ahead of crucial clash v Man City
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that both James Rodriguez and Seamus Coleman will miss Everton’s final game of the season against Manchester City on Sunday.
Colombia international James missed Everton’s win over Wolves in mid-week having nursed several fitness issues over the past few months, frustratingly seeing the Blues creatively restricted.
Coleman meanwhile has been a mainstay in Ancelotti’s team in recent months, putting early season injuries behind him by playing in every game since Burnley in mid-March.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Ancelotti revealed that neither of the duo had been passed fit to feature at the Etihad on Sunday.
Ancelotti said: “James Rodriguez is unfortunately not available for the game, he didn’t recover from the problem on his calf and unfortunately he didn’t finish the season well.
“Now he will be focused to prepare for the Copa America with the national team, and I hope to have him next season fit and at his best.
“Also Coleman had a problem during the game against Wolves and he won’t be available for the game, but he will support the team as the captain.”
Extremely tough ask
Following their victory over Wolves at Goodison Park on Thursday, Everton have handed themselves the slimmest opportunity to still qualify for Europe this season, however they have a mighty hurdle still left to clear.
Everton will need other results to work in their favour regardless of how they perform against City, but Ancelotti will know that victory over the Cityzens will hugely boost their chances, and if not victory then a point would still keep the door open.
Despite having already been crowned Premier League champions, City have a Champions League final to prepare for and so they certainly won’t be prepared to roll over and give Everton an easy win.
Given how fantastic City have been this season and how frustrating Everton have been in recent months, it doesn’t look good for the Toffees. However now will be a great chance for Ancelotti to challenge his players and ask them to show him what they’re made of.
In other Everton news, the Blues are in advanced talks over a mega-money sale of this player.
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