Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that James Rodriguez will not be available for Everton's final match of the 2020/21 campaign against Man City on Sunday.
The Colombia international was absent from the side that was victorious over Wolves at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening, and there was an initial hope that he would be fit enough to face the champions this weekend.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti confirmed that he will still be without his playmaker for a potentially crucial match at the Etihad.
Ancelotti remarked: "James Rodriguez unfortunately is not available for the game.
"He didn't recover from his problem on his calf, and unfortunately he didn't finish the season well. Now he will be focused to prepare for the Copa America with the national team.
"I hope to have him next season, fit and at his best."
Some have suggested over recent days and weeks that the Colombia international might already have his sights set on representing his country in the Copa America this summer, explaining his recent Everton absence.
However, Ancelotti was keen to dismiss that in as strong terms as possible - claiming that the 29-year-old is hugely disappointed that he hasn't been able to help his side more at the end of this term.
"I think the Copa America is in his mind when the season finishes," the Blues boss added.
"James unfortunately, in the last period, was not fit. He had a little problem which didn't give him the possibility to play regularly, which he needed to do.
"And that's it. Now, of course, he has to be focused for the Copa America because he wants to play for his country as all the players do after the end of the season.
"This is absolutely normal. But to say that James was focused on the Copa America before now, no. James was really disappointed for the fact that he was not able to help the team in this final part of the season. He was really disappointed and really sad.
"But what can he do? He has to be ready when next season starts, and to try to avoid the problem he had this season."
