Everton will be forced to make their Premier League trip to Newcastle United without the services of James Rodriguez, as Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that the Colombian would miss the journey to St James' Park with a minor injury.
The former Real Madrid man has started with a bang at Goodison Park since his arrival in September, helping to drive the club's unexpected ascent to the position of early-season frontrunners.
The attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes for the Toffees against Southampton in their first defeat of the new campaign last weekend, despite concerns over his fitness beforehand, but was forced to finish the game in what looked to be some discomfort.
Manager Ancelotti has now confirmed that the 29-year-old will sit out Sunday's clash with Steve Bruce's Magpies as the Merseyside outfit look to get back to winning ways - but stressed that it would merely be a one-match break for the playmaker.
"James will not be available," the 61-year-old told his pre-match press conference. “He has played all the games. He had a little problem, so he needs to rest for this game and he will be available for the next game.”
“We have back Jonjoe Kenny and [Jarrad] Branthwaite, and we have [Seamus] Coleman out and Richarlison and Lucas Digne suspended,”
Reflecting on the chance for fringe players to impress on Tyneside, Ancelotti further added that he was looking forward to seeing his side display their strength in depth and deliver an answer for their surprise capitulation against Saints.
“I think that the fact we have players out, it is important to know the real quality of the squad,” he added. “The opportunity that other players have to play and show their quality and help the team to stay at the top.
“It was not a good day against Southampton. We have moved forward and we are preparing well for this game. It is important, we want to stay at the top of the table if possible.
"We know to play against Newcastle is always difficult. We are focused, this group, and we have confidence in this game.”