Newcastle have been handed a boost ahead of their match with Everton on Sunday at St James’ Park as the Premier League leaders manager confirmed the visitors would be without at least one of their star performers.
Speaking on Friday in his press-conference, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the Toffees would travel to the North East without Columbian forward James Rodriguez.
The former Real Madrid man has made a superb start to the season and his absence is sure to be felt by the Toffees, and will likely act as a confidence boost to the Magpies.
Here’s what Ancelotti said via Liverpool Echo: “He had a little problem and needs to rest for this game, I think he will be available for the next game.”
The Italian manager also confirmed the absence of captain Seamus Coleman for the match, meaning the table-toppers will be without four of their regular starters as Lucas Digne and Richarlison serve suspensions for recent dismissals.
Away from injuries, Ancelotti found time to touch on Steve Bruce’s squad: “We have to be focused on the opposing team of course because we have to try and find the weakness of the team. But we have to be focused on ourselves most of the time. We are trying to avoid the mistakes against Southampton.”
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In season gone by a Magpies win here wouldn’t necessarily be deemed an upset. Although looking at the league table many would be forgiven for favouring Everton for this clash, and perhaps with good reason still.
However, with four of the Merseyside club’s main performers missing, Newcastle must fancy their chances of seizing their opportunity and getting a positive result from this one.
