Everton will be without James Rodriguez in their Premier League fixture against Southampton on Sunday.

The Blues midfielder has been versatile since joining from Real Madrid in the summer, helping to keep the Toffee’s unbeaten run to six matches.

The Columbian will be absent for the first time in the Premier League following an injury sustained when he came together with Virgil van Dijk in the opening minutes of the Merseyside Derby.

“Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game [against Liverpool],” Ancelotti told evertontv.

“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."

Ancelotti updated on Thursday that captain Seamus Coleman will be missing in action but Allan will be available for the trip to Saint Mary’s.

Commenting on the injury of Virgil van Dijk, the Italian manager expressed sincere concern towards the Liverpool defender who will soon undergo surgery towards his rehabilitation to join his mates after his collision with Jordan Pickford last Saturday.

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“To be clear, we are really sorry for the injury of Virgil van Dijk.

“Every one of us hopes he can recover soon and well.

“There was this contact with Jordan Pickford: it was mistimed contact.

“But the fact the Premier League is so fast, it is not so difficult to arrive a little bit later.

“Jordan arrived a little bit later but his intention was to try to reach the ball.

“It was not to hurt Virgil van Dijk.

“To say it was premeditated, and this and that, in my opinion, is too much.

“Virgil van Dijk knows this.

“Jordan is really sad, really disappointed [that Van Dijk is injured].

“It was a strong contact, maybe mistimed, but sometimes in football it can happen.”