James Rodriguez will miss Everton’s final game of the Premier League season.
Rodriguez was a notable absence from Carlo Ancelotti’s side in their win over Wolves at Goodison Park on Wednesday night with a slight injury concern.
The Colombia international had been expected to return to complete a debut campaign with the Blues in this weekend’s finale against Manchester City.
But Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Rodriguez, a summer arrival from Real Madrid, is already set to sit out Sunday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.
He said: “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.”
Ancelotti also rubbished suggestions that Rodriguez may have become preoccupied with his role for Colombia at this summer’s Copa America.
“I think the Copa America is in his mind when the season finishes,” added the Everton manager.
“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.
“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.”