Southampton opposition injury update: Everton to miss three key players through injury and suspension

Both Everton and Southampton earned good draws against top teams last week, with the Toffees level against Merseyside rivals Liverpool and Southampton scoring a late equaliser against Chelsea.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton side will look a lot different against Southampton than the one who played against Liverpool a week ago.

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James Rodriguez, a key summer signing who has become a creative linchpin for Everton just weeks into the season, is out after falling victim to a Virgil van Dijk challenge last week.

Everton right-back Seamus Coleman is also set to miss out on their visit to St Mary’s after being forced off the field with a hamstring injury against Liverpool.

Lastly, Everton dangerman Richarlison is definitely not traveling to the South Coast to play as he serves the first game of his three-match suspension following his red card picked up against Liverpool last week.

On his team’s recent injury woes, Ancelotti said: “Unfortunately, James [Rodriguez] had a problem during the [Liverpool] game,” according to the Liverpool Echo.

“He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton.

“We have to put in other players who have the desire to play,” The Italian manager added.

“We are working this week on this and I think we are going to choose a good line-up for the game against Southampton.”