---
title: "Carlo Ancelotti Says Mason Holgate is ‘Quite Fit’ for Leeds Clash"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/ancelotti-mason-holgate-quite-fit-injury-update-leeds/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2020-11-27T08:00:12Z"
modified: "2020-11-27T08:00:12Z"
---

# Carlo Ancelotti Says Mason Holgate is ‘Quite Fit’ for Leeds Clash

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has offered a reassuring squad update in comments offered to the [club’s official website](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1914457/ancelotti-reveals-evertons-key-focus-ahead-of-leeds-clash) ahead of the Toffees’ clash with Leeds on Saturday evening.

Defender [Mason Holgate](https://readeverton.com/2020/11/05/mason-holgate-injury-return-everton-opinion/), who has just returned from a [toe injury](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/carlo-ancelotti-offers-fitness-update-19343574), is appearing to be making huge strides towards regaining full fitness, as Ancelotti offered some [encouraging comments](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1914457/ancelotti-reveals-evertons-key-focus-ahead-of-leeds-clash).

The Italian outlined: “We were without Mason Holgate, also. He is recovering from his injury but he is quite fit. A fit Mason will be important for us.”

The update on the 24-year-old should come as an immense boost to Ancelotti’s plans ahead of Leeds’ visit to Elland Road. The Everton boss [opted for a back three](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/spielbericht/index/spielbericht/3421755) in the win over Fulham last Sunday and has signalled how the return of Holgate can help to make a success of the system change. He told [evertontv](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1914457/ancelotti-reveals-evertons-key-focus-ahead-of-leeds-clash):

> Of course, we have to work in training \[on our defensive performances\]. We have time to work on this, fortunately, and we have time to recover well the players that were tired on Sunday.
>
> We changed the shape a little bit against Fulham but we have to be more compact. The backline has to be more close.
>
> I have this option \[to play three at the back\], because we have quality in the centre-back position.

### Read Everton Verdict

Ancelotti may well need as many defenders as possible to be fit if the Toffees are to secure back-to-back wins, given Leeds’ [impressive goal return](https://www.whoscored.com/Regions/252/Tournaments/2/England-Premier-League) so far this season.

Holgate’s return could go a long way in shoring up his new defensive shape, much to the benefit of the Toffees’ chances of a second successive victory.