Rafa Benitez is adamant Lucas Digne remains an important player for Everton and is in line to return when the Goodison Park outfit travel to Burnley, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo.
Digne has not featured in the Toffees’ last three Premier League games ahead of their trip to Turf Moor. But Benitez is considering a recall for their Boxing Day Clarets clash right now.
Benitez could have brought Digne back into the Everton defence for their draw with Chelsea last Thursday. However, the Frenchman reported feeling unwell before travelling to London.
The full-back had already missed games with Arsenal and Crystal Palace before returning to consideration. Benitez explained the situation, via Sky Sports, was Digne needing to ‘realise the priority has to be the team’ and not his own role in the Spaniard’s more defensive style.
Benitez issues defiant verdict on fluid Digne situation
Digne’s situation remains fluid ahead of Everton visiting Burnley, but Benitez considers the 28-year-old to be in contention for a place in his defence at Turf Moor on Boxing Day.
The Spanish tactician also offered a defiant verdict on Digne being ‘our player’ amid reports of interest. 90min have also reported the Frenchman wants to leave in the January window.
“I don’t know what will happen before the game, but at the moment, yes,” Benitez said. “I want to be very clear: from the very beginning, Lucas has been a key player for us.
“He’s an important player and is working hard during games and training. It’s not about the manager or the player, it’s about the fans and the club.
“Lucas is our player. The other players in the market, everyone can talk about that. But my main concern is to concentrate on the players I have and the players that are available.”
Premier League clubs to battle for Everton star
Benitez overlooking Digne in Everton’s trip to Burnley or in their subsequent fixtures would test his ‘our player’ verdict. The Daily Mail report Newcastle United have debated a deal for the £18m left-back, but he is keen to hold out for other offers being weighing up the move.
The Mirror have also cited Chelsea and Leicester City as possible Premier League suitors for Digne. While Calciomercato report Juventus are interested in seeing him return to Italy.
Digne spent one season with Roma in 2015/16 on loan from Paris Saint-Germain before he joined Barcelona. They then sold him in 2018, with Digne going on to play 127 games so far.
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