Everton manager, Carlo Ancelotti has hinted at the possibility of fielding playmaker, James Rodriguez for the Toffees’ next match against Southampton.

The former Real Madrid star had earlier been ruled out by Ancelotti after reportedly picking a knock in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend.

According to the Italian manager, the Colombian became uneasy after a clash with Virgil Van Dijk who was later injured by Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford.

Ancelotti told evertontv: “Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [against Liverpool].

“He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton.”

However, while giving reporters a fitness update, the Italian revealed that the Colombian has returned to training on Friday, though slightly, he could be on course to face the Saints who held Chelsea to a 3-3 draw last week.

Ancelotti said, “He is not definitely out. Fortunately, his recovery was really good and he trained today, just a partial training session.

“I hope he is going to train tomorrow and we will see if he is condition to play on Sunday. He is really better now and we are confident that maybe he can play. He was not able to train until today. I hope tomorrow is going to be better.

“Today’s was quite good, the training, but he had only partial training.”

Having stayed unbeaten since the start of the Premier League season, the playmaker has been pivotal to Everton’s run with three goals and four assists to keep the Toffees on top of the log.