Carlo Ancelotti won’t be the only manager making changes in the FA Cup third round this weekend.
Everton host Championship strugglers Rotherham tomorrow lunchtime and Ancelotti used his pre-match press conference to offer an extensive team news update.
Some players will be rested after a busy Christmas period, while others are out injured.
But there was also good news around Lucas Digne, who has recovered more quickly than expected.
James Rodriguez is also available to make his first start since the 1-1 draw at Burnley last month following a calf injury and Alex Iwobi is also fit.
Fabian Delph, Jean-Phillippe Gbamin and Allan (hamstring) will all miss the game through injury while Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonjoe Kenny and Jordan Pickford will also not play
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“Some players are injured, some are going to have a rest,” said Ancelotti.
Ancelotti stated Cenk Tosun will start in Calvert-Lewin’s absence while and Ben Godfrey start at centre-back for the first time since his summer move from Norwich. He has played at right and left back so far.
So Tosun and Godfrey will definitely start, and Robin Olsen will expect to play between the sticks too.
It remains to be seen whether Digne will be thrown in from the off.
There’s no doubt that his early recovery is a huge boost for Everton but Ancelotti will be careful not to rush him back and risk a setback.
The Toffees should be good enough to progress to the fourth round even with the planned changes as Ancelotti kicks off the pursuit of a first Toffees trophy since 1995.