The Athletic reporter Patrick Boyland has recently discussed some concerns regarding Everton’s Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez.
Since his arrival from Real Madrid in early September, the 29-year-old middleman has featured in all four of the Toffees’ Premier League fixtures (per WhoScored).
In those outings, Rodriguez has been in impressive form as he has scored three goals and provided two assists.
During the current international break, the midfielder has been called up to the Colombia squad to face Venezuela this Friday and Chile on Tuesday next week (per Everton).
The game against Chile will take place in South America at 12am UK time before the Toffees face Liverpool at Goodison Park on the following Saturday.
While discussing players away on international duty during the latest episode of The Athletic’s Gwlad Tidings podcast, Boyland aired some concerns regarding Rodriguez.
He said: “James, in particular, strikes me as the one that is slightly vulnerable.
“[Carlo] Ancelotti’s already been asked about him and his availability for the derby and he said it’ll all be about how he recovers from the trip back and the games that he plays.
“If he’s not 100%, if he’s not in tip-top shape, then he might have to go on the bench for the derby. This is what I mean about it being absolutely typical that this happens to Everton.
“It couldn’t just be like West Brom at home or another, even just a middling side in the Premier League, it has to be a Merseyside derby. So, you’re cursing a little bit about that.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what Boyland had to say, there is seemingly a chance that Rodriguez could miss the Merseyside derby depending on how quickly he recovers from the international break.
Are you worried about James Rodriguez's fitness for the Merseyside derby?
No, I think he'll be fine
Yes, I think he's a doubt
With Rodriguez having picked up an impressive 8.41/10 average rating over his four league outings for Everton so far, he has been their best-performing player in the top flight.
So, he would likely be a big miss for Ancelotti should he have to sit out the clash with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.