Ancelotti explains Fabian Delph absence for Everton
Carlo Ancelotti has explained that Fabian Delph’s absence for Everton is due to the midfielder suffering from a tendon issue.
The England international was on the bench when the Blues faced Manchester City in mid-February but he was left out of the squads that faced both Liverpool and Southampton since then.
The 31-year old has only played five times in the Premier League this season, having last made an appearance against Burnley in early December.
Speaking after Everton’s win against Saints on Monday night, Ancelotti explained that Delph had been missing from the previous two games due to a tendon issue.
The Italian said: “He has a problem on his tendon. We will have to check in the next few days”.
Everton have coped well in Delph’s absence, with Tom Davies, Andre Gomes, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Gylfi Sigurdsson featuring most prominently in midfield.
Blessing in disguise?
While Allan was greatly missed during his over two-month-long absence, Delph wasn’t exactly someone who Everton needed during that period.
The former Manchester City midfielder’s underwhelming performances in an Everton shirt haven’t endeared him to the Goodison Park faithful, with a number of supporters reacting negatively to news of his return to training in January.
Ancelotti confirmed that Delph had suffered a further set-back in mid-February, earning Delph further critics among the Everton fan base, indicating that it could be difficult for him to turn the tide and win back favour on Merseyside.
With Delph seemingly out of favour among the fan base and with Allan’s recent return rendering him less necessary than he was before, the midfielder’s latest injury issue might indeed be a blessing in disguise.
Delph has little over a year left on his current deal with the Toffees, meaning that the club could be forced to sell him in the summer if they wish to make any money from his exit.
With just 13 Premier League fixtures remaining for Everton this season, Delph may not have too many more opportunities to earn himself an extended stay at Goodison Park, especially if he fails to overcome his fitness issues.
In other Everton news, AC Milan are set to rival Everton for the signature of Norwich defender Max Aarons.