James Rodriguez claims he will be back fit for Everton’s next Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace, saying “I’ll play again for the next game” during a Twitch stream.
The £27million-rated (Transfermarkt) Colombian has missed the last four league games through injury and was also absent for Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal defeat against Manchester City.
Everton have suffered back-to-back league losses without the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich man, falling five points back from the top four.
Relief for Everton as Rodriguez says he’s ‘very well’
But Rodriguez, speaking on a Twitch stream, delivered a welcome update for Everton fans.
“I’ll play again for the next game,” he said, as quoted by native outlet Caracol. “I’m very well, thank God, and I want to play again.”
The 29-year-old had explained to viewers earlier this month that he had been feeling ‘discomfort for many months’ before he was withdrawn from the side.
Rodriguez has scored has been directly involved in 13 goals in all competitions since his arrival last summer (five goals, eight assists).
He tops the Everton rankings for key passes per game (1.7) and is in the top four for successful dribbles, crosses, long balls and through balls (via WhoScored).
Transfer Tavern verdict
Everton have taken short-term pain without Rodriguez, but they will hope for long-term gain in the form of a injury-free run to the end of the season after his recovery period.
They still won’t quite be at full-strength, though, with Abdoulaye Doucoure sidelined indefinitely by a foot injury. Doucoure had started all but one game before sustaining the fracture.
Nonetheless, having their most creative player back in the team will be a big boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
In other news, Everton have reportedly made this defender their top summer target.
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