Everton's Rodriguez to return from injury for Palace game

REUTERS: Everton playmaker James Rodriguez will return to the squad for Monday's Premier League home game against Crystal Palace after being out for more than a month due to a calf problem, manager Carlo Ancelotti said.

Rodriguez, who has five goals and four assists in the league this season, last played in Everton's 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Liverpool at Anfield on Feb. 20.

"James is in good condition and he trained well during the break," Ancelotti said on Friday. "It is important for us to have him back at his best.

"He is going to put more quality in our attacking play."

Midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin will be available for the first time since August 2019 after recovering from serious hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries.

"We are really pleased to have him back but we have to consider the fact he didn't play for at least one year and a half," Ancelotti said.

"I don't know if he is going to play on Monday but, for sure, he will be available."

Everton are eighth with 46 points after 28 games, while Palace are 12th with 37 points after 29 games.