Everton have confirmed that Mason Holgate ‘will miss’ Thursday evening’s meeting with Southampton. The 23-year-old picked up a shin injury in Everton’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday but could return ahead of next Sunday’s clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In his absence, Carlo Ancelotti may turn to Yerry Mina to partner Michael Keane at centre-back against the Saints. Everton have conceded only two goals from their last four games (0-0 draw with Liverpool, 1-0 win over Norwich City, 2-1 win over Leicester City, 1-0 defeat to Tottenham), so Holgate’s absence will be a blow.
The 23-year-old has made 31 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring one goal with three assists. Holgate had to be patient to get regular first-team football, featuring just once in the Premier League until mid-October, but he’s been undroppable ever since.
Thursday evening’s clash with Southampton will be the first league game Holgate has missed for nine months. Everton paid £1.26m to sign the centre-back from Barnsley in 2015, but his market value has risen to £12.15m.
The Toffees aren’t likely to let Holgate leave for less than £30m, however, as he’s now one of the first names on the teamsheet. Everton will hope to get through their clash with Southampton without him.