Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti admits his team struggled without Richarlison and James Rodriguez.

They came unstuck against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, losing 2-1.

It cost them their top spot in the league, and Ancelotti will hope the team can turn around their form ahead of Saturday's game with Manchester United.

James missed the game through injury, while Richarlison was suspended.

"They are important players missing," Ancelotti told reporters post-game.

"When you don't have these players you have to play differently, maybe with less quality but with more focus.

"The goals we conceded, we lacked focus.

"We have to try to recover players for the next games."