James Rodriguez replaced by Iwobi in Everton line-up after suffering calf injury

James Rodriguez was replaced in the Everton starting XI by Alex Iwobi after the Colombian suffered a calf injury in the pre-match warm-up.

Rodriguez left the warm-up early and his injury will be assessed.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are hosting Aston Villa in a crucial match for their European qualification hopes.

What happened in the warm-up?

Rodriguez was seen leaving the field early during the warm-up prior to kick-off against Aston Villa.

Shortly after Iwobi began to take part in a more vigorous warm-up with other players in the starting XI.

The Colombian was seen to walk off the pitch without any issues but The Athletic understands Rodriguez has sustained a calf injury.

What are the teams?

Everton: Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Godfrey, Digne; Allan, Gomes, Sigurdsson; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Iwobi.

Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn, Barkley; Traore, Watkins, El Ghazi.

Has Rodriguez suffered other injuries this season?

Rodriguez has struggled to get consistent game time due to multiple injuries this season.

The 29-year-old has missed 12 games as a result of groin and calf injuries.

His most recent calf injury kept him out for just over a month, seeing him return in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on April 5.

(Photo: Jon Super – Pool/Getty Images)