Everton host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, and Rafa Benitez could welcome Lucas Digne back into his starting line-up after injury, as per the Liverpool Echo.
Benitez was without Digne for the Toffees’ 2-1 defeat at Wolves on Monday night due to a muscle problem. He had felt discomfort ahead of the Molineux trip, which saw Ben Godfrey feature but struggle in his place.
Digne has been a key performer for Benitez since the Spaniard replaced Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park this summer. The £119k-a-week full-back had played every minute of their top-flight campaign before travelling to the West Midlands.
Benitez could welcome Digne back against Tottenham this weekend after he took part in Everton’s training sessions on Thursday. He was able to work alongside his teammates at Finch Farm and should also be in contention to face Spurs.
The French defender’s presence hands Benitez a welcome boost ahead of facing Antonio Conte’s north Londoners. While Digne was involved in Everton’s training work, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina were absent.
The trio have missed Everton’s recent fixtures as they recover from respective quadriceps, calf and hamstring injuries. Neither are likely to feature on Sunday, when Benitez will hope to end the Toffee’s three-game Premier League losing streak.
Digne not the only injury boost for Benitez ahead of Everton vs Tottenham
But Digne is not the only injury boost for Benitez ahead of Everton hosting Tottenham at the weekend. Jarrad Branthwaite and Ellis Simms were also involving in the Blues’ training sessions on Thursday, as the youngsters strive to work their way into the Spaniard’s plans.
Branthwaite has so far only featured for 57-minutes of first-team football this season. He started the Toffees’ Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield Town in August for his only outing. Benitez has also named him in six Premier League teams, but only as an unused substitute.
Simms, meanwhile, is yet to feature this term and has only made three of Benitez’s squads across all competitions. His inclusions came while Richarlison dealt with a knee injury, and has not featured in a teamsheet since September 25.
The striker will hope his return to training now leads to chances to feature as he strives to push on after a productive loan spell with Blackpool last season, which ended before the League One play-off final due to a groin injury and ruled him out into the current campaign.
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