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Football London
Football London
Sport
Jamie Kemble

Carlo Ancelotti sweats on James Rodriguez and defensive duo ahead of Chelsea vs Everton

Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Monday night when they welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge in what could be a pivotal encounter.

The Blues continued their unbeaten run to 11 games on Thursday with an impressive 1-0 win away to Liverpool at Anfield, moving into fourth in the process.

But Chelsea's top four fate is not in their hands as things stand, only one point ahead of Everton who have played a game fewer heading into Monday night.

That's what makes the meeting between the two teams all the more important and a potential six-pointer in the race for Champions League qualification.

Thomas Tuchel's one regret as Chelsea go 10 matches unbeaten

And ahead of the game, Everton have not been helped by a number of injury concerns, with star man James Rodriguez being one of the biggest.

The Colombian has missed each of Everton's last two games and it is unclear whether he will be fit to take on Chelsea on Monday, though, he is more likely to return than not.

The same goes for Tom Davies and Seamus Coleman, who also missed Everton's 1-0 win over West Brom on Thursday night with 'light injuries'.

Toffees boss Carlos Ancelotti suggested all three players could return for the Baggies clash. Speaking before the game, he said: "They had little problems in training this week and so I prefer to give them a rest to be ready for the next game.

“We have a busy schedule, we play again on Thursday, but they will recover soon.

"They are really light problems.

But none of the trio featured, casting doubt over whether they will be fit to face Chelsea on Monday night, though from what Ancelotti has said, it would appear likely they will return by the time Monday comes around.

Defender Yerry Mina remains out injured for Everton, suffering a calf injury in mid-February, but other than that, Ancelotti appears to have a largely fit squad to pick from, barring any late hiccups in the lead up to the trip to west London.

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