Everton manager Rafa Benitez addressed James Rodriguez’s continued absence following the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, and a number of Toffees fans have been sharing their reaction to the update on social media.
The Colombian, who is yet to feature under Benitez this season, missed the defeat at Villa Park after making himself unavailable.
The 30-year-old was ‘concerned’ about a muscle problem, with the manager coy over whether he could feature in the week. This is what the Everton boss had to say on the attacking midfielder’s absence:
“For this game, he was a little bit concerned about his muscle. He was having a little problem and we decided we have to wait, so he was not available. That's it. We will see if he's fit for the next game and then we will decide.”
It has since emerged that the Colombian is in Qatar for talks with an unnamed club ahead of a potential exit from Merseyside.
He could have left over the summer for FC Porto in a deal which would have seen Luis Diaz arrive at Goodison Park, but the former Real Madrid maestro failed to agree on terms.
Everton fans react
@ToffeeTVEFC shared Benitez’s comments on Rodriguez late on Saturday evening. Here is what these Everton fans had to say on social media in response, with one labelling it as ‘pathetic’.
“I don’t believe a word that comes out of Rafa’s mouth”
“Not having this at all. James absolutely loves playing for his country, World Cup next year he needs to be playing every week. Especially since he's already out of favour with their manager. He also played through numerous injuries for us last season but people forget that”
“Pathetic”
“I can't wait for him to leave tbh. He is blatantly one of the least committed players we've had in my lifetime. Yeah he's unreal on his day but let's be honest he's a pure passenger the vast majority of the time!!!”
“About time some of our fans started to see through this clown. Flew back home before the end of last season and doesn’t know who we’re playing next.”
“Nonsense”
In other news: Lots of Everton fans fume as another injury update emerges