EVERTON superstar James Rodriguez is set to miss Sunday's trip to Saints.

The Colombia international, who won the 2014 World Cup golden boot, has been a key part of the Toffees' flying start to the season.

But the 29-year-old looks like missing this weekend's visit to St Mary's, as Everton look to extend their lead atop the Premier League standings.

"Unfortunately, James had a problem during the game against Liverpool," boss Carlo Ancelotti told the Everton website.

"He had a mistimed tackle with Virgil van Dijk at the beginning of the game and I think he will not be available for the game against Southampton."

Everton are also without striker Richarlison, who is suspended following his red card in the Merseyside derby.

Captain Seamus Coleman is also missing through injury.

“We have to put in other players who have the desire to play,” said Ancelotti.

“We are working this week on this and I think we are going to choose a good line-up for the game against Southampton.

“Alex (Iwobi) is a player who works hard. He is fast and with his quality he can help the team be better in certain situations.

“He (potentially) has an opportunity to play, but also we have Bernard and Anthony Gordon.

“We have a lot of opportunities to replace Richarlison and James.

“We are already moving on.”