MERSEYSIDE -- Everton coach Rafael Benitez insists James Rodriguez will remain in his plans for as long as he stays at Everton. But he also hinted that the midfielder's departure may be imminent.

Citing the report, the Colombia international has reportedly been told he is free to leave the club this summer, with Everton looking to cut their wage bill as they fend off Financial Fair Play (FFP) allegations.

Rodriguez was not in the squad for last weekend's win over Southampton, although that was due to coronavirus isolation concerns, and Benitez indicated that, until the transfer window closes on August 31, James has the opportunity to play.

"I understand that people want to know everything, but the situation is he (James Rodriguez) is our player until August 31 – he wasn't available last week and he wasn't available this week but maybe he will be available next week," Benitez told the BBC ahead of the game. against Leeds, Saturday (21/8).

"Hopefully we can resume training and see what happens at the end of the transfer window. Until August 31 - yes he is in my plans," he said.

That statement contradicts what James said on his Twitch channel recently, when he admitted he didn't even know who Everton were playing this weekend.

"I think I'll start training from Monday. At the weekend I won't be playing, I don't even know who's playing from Everton, can you tell me?," said Rodriguez.

"It's an away game, against Leeds on the road, against (Marcelo) Bielsa, it's a tough game, let's see what happens, hopefully they win."