Carlo Ancelotti will wait until the last minute to decide if James Rodriguez and Jordan Pickford will face Spurs in the FA Cup fifth round with Everton pair struggling for fitness
- Everton take on Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday evening
- James Rodriguez and Jordan Pickford are both big question marks for the hosts
- Rodriguez came off Everton’s 3-3 draw at Manchester United last Saturday
- Ancelotti confirmed the 29-year-old had a problem with a tight calf
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti will make a late decision on the fitness of playmaker James Rodriguez and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ahead of the FA Cup fifth-round visit of Tottenham.
The Colombia international was taken off as a precaution in the 3-3 draw at Manchester United after complaining of a tight calf and Ancelotti will not risk the forward if there is any doubt.
Pickford has sat out the last two matches with a rib injury and will also be assessed.
James Rodriguez was subbed off during Everton’s 3-3 draw against Manchester United
‘I have to wait until training to see if Pickford and James are available,’ said Ancelotti.
‘James had a little problem on his calf, a tight calf. I took him off after 70 minutes to avoid risk.
‘He will try (in training) and if he feels comfortable he is going to play; if not he will train Thursday, Friday and Saturday and if he is OK, he is going to play Sunday.’
Rodriguez, who scored against United last weekend, won’t be rushed back if he isn’t fully fit
