---
title: "Mason Holgate’s Return Will Boost Toffees Immensely [Opinion]"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/mason-holgate-injury-return-everton-opinion/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2020-11-05T09:00:18Z"
modified: "2020-11-05T09:00:18Z"
---

# Mason Holgate’s Return Will Boost Toffees Immensely \[Opinion\]

Amid relatively [positive fitness updates](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-rodriguez-injury-latest-everton-19213942) with an optimistic slant, the return of one key player cannot come soon enough for Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton.

Central defender [Mason Holgate](https://readeverton.com/2020/10/28/toffees-handed-major-fitness-boosts-as-key-defender-returns-to-training/) was [previously reported](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mason-holgate-fitness-boost-everton-19176321) to have returned to training in a bid to regain full fitness after he suffered a nasty toe injury during the warm-up ahead of a pre-season fixture against Preston North End.

Although the official Everton [website](https://www.evertonfc.com/teams/injuries-and-suspensions) does not confirm a specified return date for the player, Holgate appears to be close to returning to contention for a place in Ancelotti’s matchday squads within the next few weeks. This will be a vital boost given something of an injury crisis in Everton’s defensive ranks.

Natural centre-back Ben Godfrey was shifted to right-back following an injury to club captain Seamus Coleman in a 2-0 loss to Southampton, whilst Everton also lost the following week against Newcastle without Lucas Digne (due to suspension), and Jonjoe Kenny had only returned to the side recently.

A lack of players, fitness and sharpness could all prove debilitating in Ancelotti’s quest to resume winning ways.

### READ EVERTON VERDICT

Whilst Godfrey will need a rehabilitation period to regain his fitness and sharpness, his versatility as both a central defender and a full-back could be crucial as Ancelotti looks to circumnavigate the glut of injuries. Holgate’s provision of competition and cover could go a long way in shoring up the Toffees’ back line.

The Barnsley youth product has featured 80 times at his preferred centre-back position, but he is clearly adept in his aforementioned full-back role. According to [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/james-rodriguez/profil/spieler/88103), the 24-year-old has also played 57 times out on the flank – a testament to the experience he holds in different positions.

Coleman has been ruled out by the club [until at least November](https://www.evertonfc.com/teams/injuries-and-suspensions), exemplifying why Holgate’s return is all the more vital. Ancelotti needs options, and Holgate could be ready to step up imminently.