Wayne Rooney will NOT be axed from the Everton squad, despite being charged with a drink driving offence.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman revealed the striker will play against Spurs this weekend, but insisted he will keep a close eye on the striker to monitor his fitness and mental state.
The former England star faces a court date on September 18 to face police claims he was “driving whilst over the prescribed limit.”
Koeman issued a statement admitting he was disappointed with the news of the alleged offence, but he revealed that the striker will keep his place in the Blues team for the visit of Tottenham to Goodison on Saturday.
“He will play this Saturday. If I see that Wayne is not in a physical or mental condition to play then he won't play,” the Dutch coach explained.
“Obviously I am very disappointed by this situation regarding Wayne Rooney,” said the Dutchman, reading from a prepared statement.
“We have spoken on Tuesday and the chairman Bill Kenwright spoke also to Wayne about this situation.
“In line with any disciplinary matter this will be dealt with internally at an appropriate time and that is all I have to say about the case of Wayne Rooney.”
Along with his clear the air talks with Rooney on Tuesday, Koeman also revealed that he has had a heart to heart with contract rebel Ross Barkley, to discover why the midfielder turned down a move to Chelsea after a fee was agreed.
“Ross also came to see me on Tuesday and he explained to me why he turned down to go to Chelsea,” said the manager.
“That is a private talk with Ross and I am not the right man to explain to you about his decision or the reason of that decision.
“He was open to make a move to another club and what I heard from the board there was an agreement between Chelsea and Everton.
“But finally the decision was by the player and that is what happened at that time.”
Asked if Barkley's Goodison career is effectively over, Koeman added: “No, he is still an Everton player and he has a contract until the end of this season.”