‘We’re really surprised’ – Ancelotti shares Digne injury boost for Everton
Carlo Ancelotti has delivered some festive cheer to Everton fans with the news that assist-king Lucas Digne is expected to be back in the side in January.
Digne has been absent for the Toffees since the 3-2 win at Fulham on November 22, missing the last seven games as the fixture list has begun to pile up over a hectic festive period.
Ancelotti has tried a number of different players and formations as he has attempted to replace Digne’s influence, but he’ll be pleased to know that his injury will not keep him out of the side for too much longer.
As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Ancelotti told reporters, “Lucas Digne [should be back] at the end of January, he’s progressing really well and he’s starting individual sessions and we’re really surprised about his recovery.”
If the end of January is the aim, then the January 27 fixture against Leicester at Goodison Park looks like being Digne’s expected return to the team.
As things stand, after their fixture at Aston Villa on January 16, Ancelotti’s side have an 11-day rest until that Leicester game, before facing Newcastle on January 30.
Unless he faces any further setbacks, a return against Leicester or Newcastle will be at the forefront of Digne’s agenda going into the New Year.
Good news for Calvert-Lewin
Although Ben Godfrey has done an impressive job since filling in for the stricken Digne, fans will be buoyed by the injury news delivered by Ancelotti and hopeful the French international will carry on the good form he was producing before he was ruled out for an extended period.
Before his injury, Digne had recorded four assists in eight Premier League games this season, including two in his last game against Fulham.
Only five players can claim to top Digne’s assist record this season, and that is despite missing the last six league games.
The extent of Digne’s influence to this Everton side is further shown in the statistic that he delivers the most crosses per 90 minutes in the Premier League, with 6.4, per Wyscout.
Given striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s aerial prowess, particularly this season, Digne’s whipped deliveries are something of a trademark route to goal for Everton, and his impending return will be sure to boost the morale of Calvert-Lewin.
The England forward has only managed one goal in seven appearances following the left-back’s absence, showing how the lack of quality service has affected his output.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti hits out at Christmas fixture pile-up.