SM
Newcastle vs. West Ham: 1 hr 12 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti set to rest players for Rotherham game

:Headline: Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti set to rest players for Rotherham game: ID:429727: from db_amp
The Italian's options have been boosted by Lucas Digne's "unbelievable" recovery from a November ankle operation.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti will rest a number of key players for the FA Cup visit of Championship strugglers Rotherham but insists he is taking the competition seriously.

The Italian's options have been boosted by Lucas Digne's "unbelievable" recovery from a November ankle operation and, while he will play James Rodriguez to improve his match fitness, he is leaving out leading scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Jordan Pickford.

Striker Cenk Tosun is likely to make his first start since November 2019, while September signing Ben Godfrey will play his first game in his preferred central defence position.

Ancelotti is aware of the reputation the competition – which produced the club's last trophy in 1995 – has for producing upsets and is keen to avoid one at Goodison Park.

"We know how important the FA Cup is in England. We want to start this competition well," he said.

"It will be a physical game I am sure. They (Rotherham) have problems in the Championship but I know the FA Cup is a whole different story.

"All the time there are strange results no one expects so we have to pay attention to this."

Despite leaving out a key trio, Ancelotti will still be able to field a strong side, which will include Digne.

The France international had surgery at the end of November after sustaining an injury in training and was expected to be out for between two and three months.

"He is fit. His recovery was really fast, the medical staff and him did a fantastic job," said Ancelotti.

"He trained all week with us and is fit, in good condition and can play tomorrow.

"We know Digne is a top professional. I think the surgeon was good, the rehab was really good and so it was unbelievable to see Digne so early in training."

The left-back is also on the verge of signing a new deal at the club.

"I think it is almost done. I am not involved in this but the two parts – the club and him – are really close," he added.

"It is important to have an important player with personality, quality and talent with us for the future."

Fringe players like Tosun and Bernard have been linked with January moves away but Ancelotti, who is not planning any signings this month, said there was nothing imminent.

"We are not talking with Roma about Bernard," said the Toffees boss, who rejected speculation the Brazilian could be involved in a swap deal with on-loan Roma goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

"We will try to keep Olsen for the future and will try to talk to Roma but no discussion with them about Bernard – he is our player and will be our player.

"We are not, in this moment, thinking to sign new players.

"If some player is not happy to stay and wants to leave we are open to talk to them but at the moment no player has asked to leave."

Reports have claimed Paris St Germain are keen to make Moise Kean's loan permanent but Ancelotti, who earlier this season was adamant the striker had a long-term future at the club, said the Ligue 1 side would have to come up with a decent offer.

"Moise is doing really well but he is on loan at Paris St Germain. He could be back in the summer," he said.

"If Paris St Germain want him they have to sit at the table with the club."

amp_article__429727 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2021-01-08 17:12:17:
html db last update - 2021-01-08 17:12:17 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Carlo Ancelotti

Click here for more stories about Everton

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .