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David Byrom

'We look weak' - Everton fans fearful at facing Newcastle United with injury-hit side

Everton fans have voiced concerns over their prospects ahead of facing Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Toffees have enjoyed a stellar start to the season but will be without influential attacking midfielder James Rodriguez this weekend.

James has played every game this season but suffered an injury against Liverpool earlier this month and is now set to sit the game against the Magpies out.

Also missing is Seamus Coleman through injury, with Richarlison and Lucas Digne suspended.

It has left some Everton fans feeling rather concerned about whether they will be able to pick up a good result at St James's Park.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will be able to welcome two players back from injury at least.

He said: "We have Jonjoe Kenny and Jarrad Branthwaite back.

"We will not have James Rodriguez available, Seamus Coleman is out - and Richarlison and Lucas Digne are suspended.

"James played all the games but had a little problem. He needs to rest for this game, I think he will be available for the next game."

Ancelotti was asked about why he felt there were so many injuries in the Premier League so far this season.

The Italian argued that a hectic fixture schedule is making things tough.

He said: "I think that it's a really busy schedule. For us, we had a lot of games in September but this month after the international break we only have one game a week. So for us it's not so bad.

"But, for the teams that are involved in the Champions League and Europa League it's really busy. Of course, the fact that there are more injuries is for that reason.

"Of course the managers are concerned for this, I agree with this. It's a really busy schedule.

"You have to consider that most of the teams during the international break are going to lose players, so you're not able to give them a rest.

"It's really complicated and this is the reason there are more injuries, there's no doubt for this."

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