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Carlo Ancelotti admitted that Everton could still be without James Rodriguez on their important journey to face Chelsea on Monday night.
The Blues travel to Stamford Bridge knowing that a win could bring them back into the top four, after their brief stint in the Champions League places immediately following their win over West Bromwich Albion on Thursday.
However, they may have to play the game without one of their influential summer signings.
Rodriguez has not played for Everton since a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield last month, missing the last two games with a minor injury.
And Ancelotti admitted that he could miss the next game as well.
When asked if Rodriguez will be fit, the coach commented: “I don’t know, I think we have to review. He may not be for the game against Chelsea, for the next yes.”
Everton made a number of changes to their victory over West Brom, which included Allan and Gylfi Sigurdsson on the bench.
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However, both proved to be influential as they entered the second half to help the Blues secure all three points, with the latter providing the assist for the Richarlison winner.
And Ancelotti admitted that the original plan was to let the pair rest so they could be in top condition for the next game against Chelsea.
He added: “It was to rest, also for Sigurdsson, because Allan did not play for two months, so giving him two games in three days was too much. So I prefer to give him a break.
“For Sigurdsson it was exactly the same. Sigurdsson is not that young, he needs time to recover! Of course I am joking, but I wanted to give him a little rest.”
Despite being cautious about Rodriguez’s physical form, Ancelotti hopes Tom Davies can be fit once again for the game against Chelsea after missing his team’s last two victories.
The 22-year-old has been in fantastic form in recent weeks, but Allan has returned to the team without a problem to take that position in his absence.
However, Ancelotti sees a problem with the pair working together in the same starting lineup.
“Yes, of course it can be an option, sure they can play together,” said the coach.
“Tom Davies is very well, I hope he recovers soon and I hope he is available for the game against Chelsea.”
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