Ancelotti provides Everton squad update ahead of Palace clash

Premier League action resumes this weekend after the international break, with Everton getting a couple of extra days of rest after their fixture with Crystal Palace was moved out a couple of days to Monday.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference today, Carlo Ancelotti started off with the good news that Jean-Philippe Gbamin is available for selection.

“Gbamin is really good news. He trained last week, he trained this week. He feels comfortable and is in good condition.

“I think the medical staff did a fantastic job with him. He is ready to play. Of course we have to consider he didn’t play for at least one and a half years, because his last game was in August 2019, but we can say he is back.

“I don’t know if he is going to play on Monday, but for sure he will be involved, he is available.”

Gbamin provides Ancelotti with a slightly different skillset, especially with Abdoulaye Doucoure injured and unavailable likely until the end of the season, and Fabian Delph and Bernard still out injured.

“Gbamin puts in the squad physicality, quality and a strong desire to play. It’s like having a new player and we are pleased to have him back.”

Tom Davies and Ben Godfrey both left the England Under-21 camps with injuries, but are both expected to be in the squad for Monday.

“Davies and Godfrey had a little problem but I think they will be available on Monday.

“Davies trained with the team without any problems today. Godfrey did an individual session but will be available for the game.”

Ancelotti also added that Jordan Pickford is still out but Robin Olsen will be available again, which gives him a bit of a selection headache with youngster Joao Virginia acquitting himself well.

James Rodriguez is still expected to make his return against the Eagles, with Ancelotti saying he is in good shape.

“James is well and in a good condition, his physicality is good at the moment.

“It’s important for us to have James back at his best. At the start of the season he helped a lot, above all in front. We hope he will do the same, I am quite confident because I see him in training showing a good condition and attitude.”

While England #1 Pickford is still out, Ancelotti doesn’t anticipate it being long before he returns to the squad.

“I’m not sure how long it will be. He’s improving day-by-day, maybe he will start to train next week on the pitch with the goalkeeping coach.”