Everton are exercising caution over Seamus Coleman’s return to action.
Coleman has not featured for Carlo Ancelotti’s side since the home defeat to Manchester United after sustaining a hamstring injury on international duty.
The Republic of Ireland captain was expected to make his Blues’ comeback during Wednesday’s Premier League clash against a high-flying Leicester City.
But while Ancelotti confirmed that Coleman is again fit and available, he will not be calling on his captain ahead of the trip to the King Power Stadium.
Saturday’s visit of Arsenal is seen as a more realistic return for the 32-year-old, however James Rodriguez’s involvement in the game is less certain.
“The squad is practically the same [as against Chelsea],” said Ancelotti.
“I don’t want to take a risk on Seamus Coleman.
“He is ready and fit, but we prefer to leave him out for this game and have him ready for Saturday.
“James is having individual rehab. We have to check day by day. It’s not an important problem.
“Maybe if he’s not available on Saturday, he will be available next Wednesday.”
Ancelotti also revealed that Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s long-awaited comeback is unlikely to happen before next year as he enters the final stages of recovery.
Gbamin made just two appearances for Everton at the beginning of last season before suffering a thigh injury which required successive operations.
“The player is desperate to come [back],” revealed Ancelotti.
“We had a talk with him with the doctor. We can start to look for him next year. We hope it can be a different year.
“He had a lot of problems and suffered a lot. Every one of us hopes that 2021 will be fantastic for him.”