Everton have been dealt a major boost to their defensive options as they look to resume winning ways after a number of positive fitness updates were issued – including the news that a key centre-back is back in training.
Mason Holgate, who was suffering from a toe injury, has returned to training at Finch Farm. The defender has missed the Blues’ opening nine games of the season because of the toe injury he sustained in the squad’s final warm-up game of pre-season against Championship outfit Preston North End.
He had previously been out of action for seven weeks, though Everton offered no formal timeframe for his return.
In further fitness boosts to Ancelotti’s plans, Jarrad Branthwaite is also back in training after his ankle problem while defensive midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin is scheduled to start working with the Toffee’s squad soon.
Seamus Coleman’s hamstring issue forced the club captain out of the game with Southampton, but it was described as not as too serious, while Jonjoe Kenny will be hopeful of being fit enough to be in serious contention for Sunday’s trip north to Newcastle United.
In a final suspension boost, a key left-back will also return to action sooner than first feared.
Although he will miss the Newcastle game at the weekend, Lucas Digne’s suspension was reduced to just one game – meaning Digne is eligible to feature against Manchester United on November 7 and Fulham on November 21.
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The Toffees have been blessed on all fronts with the selection of returning faces to availability for Ancelotti’s plans.
After the recent defeat to the Saints, Everton will be hungry to carry on picking up points. With these faces all returning, Ancelotti will receive welcome aid in that venture.
