Everton have confirmed that Lucas Digne ‘will not be available’ against Leicester City on Wednesday night. The 26-year-old is still struggling with a groin strain that he picked up in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Digne was withdrawn after 25 minutes on Sunday and replaced by Leighton Baines. The 35-year-old was making only his second appearance of the season at Old Trafford, but he helped Everton pick up a point in Manchester and could be given the nod at left-back on Wednesday night.
How will Everton fare against Leicester City?
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Duncan Ferguson said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference: “Lucas got a strain on his groin area so how long it’s going to be, I’m not quite sure, but obviously he won’t be fit for Wednesday.” In addition to Baines, Cuco Martina is also an option for Everton after returning to the matchday squad on Sunday.
And if Djibril Sidibe is passed fit for the Blues’ EFL Cup quarter-final clash, he’s also able to play at left-back. With Everton squaring off with Arsenal on Saturday, however, Ferguson has a decision to make on which players he feels can play twice in three days.
Whether Baines can handle 180 minutes of football in just 72 hours remains to be seen. He’s likely to be short of match fitness given his lack of activity this season, but Digne may not return in time to face Arsenal so Ferguson may be forced to rotate.