In a recent interview (via Liverpool Echo), Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Everton playmaker James Rodriguez is set to return from injury this weekend. The Toffees boss provided an update on the Colombian winger’s injury and said,
“I think he had a little problem. He was not comfortable to play.
“I think he is going to play in the next game. It was a really small problem.”
Rodriguez’s Impressive Form At Goodison Park This Season
This recent development will be welcomed by everyone associated with the Merseyside club as they missed his influence in the 2-1 home loss against Aston Villa last weekend. Rodriguez has made himself a key member of Ancelotti’s first team and has done well to produce a run of eye-catching displays from the right flank. He has registered six goals and nine assists in 25 matches for his current employers this term across all fronts.
The South American sensation has caught the eye by averaging 1.2 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.6 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football this season. Rodriguez has even been excellent when distributing possession in the attacking third after completing 83.2% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
Rodriguez Set To Return From Injury This Weekend: Big Boost For Carlo Ancelotti?
Rodriguez can complete some encouraging dribbles out on the wide areas. He has got terrific ball control and possesses a low centre of gravity that helps him get the better of his marker in the final third. The Colombia international has contributed by scoring and setting up his fair share of goals from the right-wing. Hence, having him back for the West Ham game will be a massive boost for the Toffees as he has the potential to win that match by getting the best out of his teammates.
Rodriguez can get himself into some dangerous areas in and around the opponent’s goal. However, the 76-time Colombia international has sometimes been prone to injuries that have disrupted his progress at Goodison Park. Hence, he needs to end the season strong so that he has enough momentum heading into this summer’s Copa America.
With all things considered, Rodriguez’s return will be a welcome boost for the Toffees and their fight to secure European football next season. Now it would be up to Ancelotti to reinstate him seamlessly back into his first-team because the Colombian could help kickstart the underperforming Richarlison and get him back to his goal-scoring ways in the final few weeks of this campaign.
