By Jack Cunningham

10th Dec, 2021 | 4:15pm

Rafael Benitez discusses Lucas Digne's absence for Everton

Rafael Benitez has revealed that Lucas Digne has been training and is ready for selection if he decides to play him.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference [Liverpool Echo], the Spaniard confirmed that Digne’s Instagram story was correct and that he hadn’t fallen out with the left-back after he missed the Arsenal game [06 December].

However, he did then aim what could be seen as a veiled dig at Digne by claiming that every player has to work for the team, suggesting that the Frenchman was perhaps playing for himself.

He said: “Lucas was clear; the manager decides. He’s been training today; we will decide tomorrow.

“I think we need all the players around, to increase the competition in the team. Everybody has to be focused and realise the priority is the team.”

Benitez standing firm.

Now, given that the Toffees won without the Frenchman in their side, you would think that they might decide to leave him out again.

Of course, he is the club’s only senior left-back, and on Monday, Ben Godfrey played there and coped pretty well, although you could argue that he was lucky to stay on the pitch.

Also, you would expect the Toffees to potentially have more possession than a Crystal Palace side who are struggling at the moment.

If that were to be the case, surely it would be better to have Digne in the team?

He could provide some ammunition for the strikers and also offer a threat on that left-hand side.

However, it appears as if Benitez doesn’t think that Digne is that committed to the cause, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were left out, even if the Toffee are much better going forward when he plays.

In other Everton news, Benitez has provided a transfer update ahead of the January window.

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