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Carlo Ancelotti insists calf problem is only reason behind James Rodriguez's recent absence for Everton after reports suggested Colombian is unhappy at Goodison Park

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has addressed rumours surrounding James Rodriguez by insisting the playmaker is being held back to recover properly from a calf problem.

Reports in his homeland have suggested the Colombia international, who has played just three of the last eight matches, is not happy just six months into his Goodison Park career.

However, Ancelotti insists injury and not dissatisfaction is at the root of his absence with the 29-year-old unlikely to return until early next month after the international break, meaning he will miss at least Saturday's visit of Burnley and next weekend's FA Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester City.