---
title: "Everton: Noel Whelan reacts to James Rodriguez injury update"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/james-rodriguez-sheffield-united/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Clancy"
section: "Everton"
published: "2021-05-15T15:05:33Z"
modified: "2021-05-15T15:05:33Z"
---

# Everton: Noel Whelan reacts to James Rodriguez injury update

**Noel Whelan has given his reaction to the news that James Rodriguez may be able to play for Everton against Sheffield United on Sunday evening.**

### The Lowdown: Rodriguez may be fit

As per the Toffees’ [official website](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2142182/everton-boss-ancelotti-gives-james-injury-update), Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that the Colombian is set to be fit and available to play against the Blades this weekend.

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The former Real Madrid star has missed the Merseyside club’s last [three](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-rodriguez/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/88103/plus/0?saison=2020&verein=&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=) games in the Premier League, and so it will come as a welcome relief to have him back as they chase European qualification.

### The Latest: Whelan gives Rodriguez reaction

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/whelan-surprised-after-major-rodriguez-news-from-everton/), Whelan – who is now a pundit after playing as a striker for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City in the past – highlighted just how important Rodriguez is to Everton and admitted that he did not think the 29-year-old would play again this season. He said:

*“They’re a weaker side without him in.*

*“He’s the one that can open the door, it’s a brilliant news to have him back. He can be that go to man when you need something to happen. When he’s not in the side, they lose a little bit of creativity.*

*“That’s known, it’s seen. When he’s in the side, a lot goes through him. You’re looking for him all the time. Those cross-field passes, that eye, that something that other players don’t have in the side.*

*“That’s why Ancelotti brought him to Everton, for that little bit of brilliance that can change the momentum in a game. They need him fit, they need him back. I thought next season would be the next time we’d see him.”*

### The Verdict: Rodriguez comeback vital

The comeback of Rodriguez could well be vital if the Toffees are to achieve European qualification this year. In his recent absence, Everton have [dropped five points](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-rodriguez/leistungsdaten/spieler/88103) in two meetings against Aston Villa.

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The Colombia international has scored six goals and supplied a further nine assists in 25 matches over all competitions so far this season ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-rodriguez/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/88103/plus/0?saison=2020&verein=&liga=&wettbewerb=&pos=&trainer_id=)), offering a creative spark in midfield to help make chances for his attacking team-mates.

[Everton updates! (2)](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-updates-2/)

As Whelan has hinted, Rodriguez may be crucial in unlocking the door for Everton against a stubborn Blades team who [lost narrowly to the Toffees](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/55373751) back at Christmas.

***In other news,*** [***find out what Aston Villa image has left these Everton fans fuming***](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-fc-news/mings-calvert-lewin-aston-villa/)