In other Everton news, who should start at centre-back for Toffees?
‘It went well’ – Ancelotti gives positive Everton update on Digne fitness
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said that Lucas Digne’s surgery “went well” and suggested that he can recover quicker than expected.
The former Barcelona man picked up an injury during training last month and underwent surgery on his ankle.
The 27-year-old had been a crucial player for the Toffees so far this season and has been ruled out at one of the busiest points in the calendar.
Asked if he expected Digne to be missing for three months, Ancelotti said that he expected him to be back “as soon as possible”.
“He is still alive,” he joked (via Liverpool Echo).
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“No, it went well. Two-three months is the period but knowing Lucas Digne, I think he can recover soon – as soon as possible. In this aspect, he is really, really a strong professional.”
The Frenchman has been one of the Toffees outstanding players this season, with four assists from eight league starts (via WhoScored).
Starting as a wing-back against Fulham in Ancelotti’s 3-4-3 system, Digne thrived and provided two assists and five key passes (via WhoScored). The system was ideally suited to him and brought on an impressive performance from Alex Iwobi, so Digne’s injury really came at the worst possible time for the Italian.
Niels Nkounkou is the only other natural left-back in the squad and Iwobi did not look comfortable in the role against Leeds United. However, Nkounkou was not part of the squad against Leeds, and it is difficult to predict where Ancelotti will turn against Burnley on Saturday.
Seamus Coleman is rated as 25% likely to play by Premier Injuries, so much will depend on him. If he can return, Iwobi will likely stay on the left with Coleman on the right, but if the Republic of Ireland international cannot play, expect to see Nkounkou start.