Everton star player James Rodriguez is among the five players who are self-isolating because of coronavirus issues and will miss Saturday’s game against Southampton. The former Real Madrid and Bayer Munich midfielder are yet to play in front of Everton fans since he signed in September 2020 because of pandemic crowd restrictions.
Speaking on it, Everton new manager Rafael Benitez said: “We have some players that are in isolation now, so we have to be very careful.” “Some players have to be at home, and [James] is one of them.” The five-player is currently self-isolating to prevent an outbreak at the club.
But it is however not clear if they have coronavirus or are isolating because they have been deemed as close contacts. Benitez confirmed that forward Richarlison, who returned from the Toyko Olympics after winning gold with Brazil, and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be available.
But he admitted he was concerned about James Rodrigue and the other four players. He said: “The main concern for me and for all the managers are the rules around the country so everybody can go outside and do what they want.” “After we have too many controls, it’s good.”
He ended by saying: “Then we can see some issues and problems with Covid-19. We have to manage in the best way possible, we are making an effort to be sure we have some control, but it’s very difficult to have full control when everybody around has some freedom.”