According to the Guardian, Cuco Martina was ‘expected to be released’ this month, but Everton’s ‘growing injury list’ could see the 30-year-old retained until the end of the revised season.
Martina has been on the periphery for more than two years and finds himself behind Seamus Coleman, Djibril Sidibe and Jonjoe Kenny in the pecking order. His deal at Goodison Park was up this summer, but the Curacao international might need to stay another month if Everton can’t agree an extension for Sidibe.
Martina has made 28 appearances in all competitions since joining on a free transfer from Southampton in 2017, making two assists. His last outing in an Everton shirt came in their 2-1 defeat to Burnley (March 3, 2018).
The 30-year-old has been in the matchday squad this season, but he’s not amassed any minutes in the first-team. Coleman is expected to be first-choice at right-back when the campaign resumes, but he will need backup in case of injury.
Everton were are due to face Liverpool on June 19-21, but it’s unknown whether Martina makes the squad. If Ancelotti can’t retain Sidibe for June and July, Martina may be a last resort.