Everton defender’s season could now kick on.
Mason Holgate’s season at Everton appears to be over after he underwent ankle surgery.
Holgate withdrew from England’s under-21 squad after picking up a knock. Everton’s social media channels wished him well.
Holgate has played regularly for Everton this season, and was used as a substitute in recent matches against Brighton and Stoke City.
But in football it is a case of ‘next man up’, and the beneficiary of Holgate’s misfortune is likely to be defender Rafa Funes Mori.
Mori suffered a serious knee injury in 2017 but he has worked his way back to full fitness and made two appearances for the under-21s.
But he did not even make the bench at the weekend against Stoke, with Holgate preferred.
Now Holgate’s injury gives Funes Mori an opening, and he must seize it.
The defender was given huge backing this week when he was called into Argentina’s squad for their upcoming friendlies.
He is a favourite of coach Jorge Sampaoli, but he needs to play between now and the end of the season to seal his place in their final 23.
Holgate’s misfortune could have provided Funes Mori with the chance he needs.
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