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Update on Everton left back Digne

By Matt Townsend

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Lucas Digne of Everton battles for possession with Will Hughes of Watford during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Watford FC at Goodison Park on August 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Lucas Digne of Everton battles for possession with Will Hughes of Watford during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Watford FC at Goodison Park on August 17, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Everton boss Marco Silva has sought to reassure Blues supporters that left-back Lucas Digne’s injury might not be too serious as the Toffees begin preparations for Friday night’s game against Aston Villa.

Digne went off in the second half of Saturday’s match as Everton held on for a narrow 1-0 win over Watford at Goodison Park.

The French defender had another fine game, including providing the ball to Bernard that led to the Toffees goal, before limping off with what looked at first sight, like a hamstring pull.

Silva has said he hopes that the full-back wasn’t seriously hurt during the game and that he will be back very soon.

Losing him for any length of time would not be good news as Digne has become not only a firm fan favourite but also essential to how Everton play.

Indeed his departure midway through the second period of last weekend’s game, did seem to coincide with Watford beginning to exert more pressure on the home side.

Digne’s pace, attacking flair, creativity and defensive solidity are integral to the high-tempo, pressing game Silva likes to play.

As it was the Toffees did hold on and took all three points. However this game has just underlined the importance of the France international to Everton’s form and fortunes.

If the Blues do lose Digne for any real length of time, his nominal replacement would have been Leighton Baines but he too is still struggling for fitness. Fortunately there are a few possible options to replace him.

First of all to be fair, Seamus Coleman actually did well when switching sides during the match, not always something that is easy for a full-back to do. However it’s not very likely he will be asked to stay there unless Silva wants his experience there.

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Another option is new signing Djibril Sidibe. Another French international teammate of Digne’s, he can play either right or left-back. But has he had enough time to settle in?

Finally of course there is Fabian Delph. Assuming he is fit, Delph is more than competent enough to fill in at left-back, something he did to great effect for much of Manchester City’s 2017-18 title-wining season.

At any rate whoever might replace Digne, let’s hope its not for too long as the dynamic French left-back is a key performer for Everton.