Five Everton players have been ruled out of their clash with Southampton.
Rafael Benitez is set to make his competitive bow as Blues’ manager when Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side travel to Goodison Park for Saturday’s Premier League opener.
Benitez confirmed Covid-19 protocols means James Rodriguez is among those currently isolating but refused to disclose the identities of the remaining four.
The Spaniard indicated that two of absentee trio Moise Kean, Andre Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are among those who are required to self-isolate.
“We have some players who are in isolation now,” said the Everton manager.
“With Covid around we have to be careful and stay at home. He (Rodriguez) is one of them.”
He added: “There are five players in isolation.
“I will not name too many of them, because it’s better not to do it.”
Rodriguez admitted on Thursday during a session on his Twitch channel that he did not expect to be involved for the Saints’ visit to Merseyside this weekend.
Addressing the Colombia international’s comments, Benitez said: “I had my conversation with him at the beginning and he knows my idea.
“But obviously now he is not available so it is not an issue for tomorrow.
“We will discuss with every player and their agents to try and find the best solution for us and them.”