Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Adam Jones

Everton face Lucas Digne wait as Carlo Ancelotti makes Andre Gomes starting claim for Manchester United

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Lucas Digne is facing a late fitness test ahead of Everton's clash with Manchester United on Sunday.

The defender missed last weekend's defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium with a calf issue, and is training individually ahead of the visit of the Red Devils.

Theo Walcott, who was also absent for the trip to the Gunners, is available for the Blues once more however.

Ancelotti confirmed: "Theo is fit, he doesn't have a problem.

"Lucas Digne is training individually, he had a little problem on his calf in the last week. We're going to check tomorrow."

John Stones swap deal return, €30m goalkeeper 'wanted' and other Everton transfer rumours rated

Andre Gomes made his remarkable return for Everton from the bench in last weekend's 3-2 defeat to Arsenal after rumours he could potentially start the clash.

Ancelotti believed the midfielder was ready to be included in the starting 11 against the Gunners and thinks the same ahead of this match.

"He's ready to start, as he was ready to start in my opinion [last week]," the boss added.

"He's closer to starting compared to last week. He trained well, normally, properly. He can play but I have to talk to him before the game."

Gomes was one of Everton's top performers when introduced from the bench last weekend.

Ancelotti confirmed the Portugal international has trained in a normal manner once more, and he doesn't believe the midfielder will be at all affected by any expectation on his shoulders.

He added: "He did really well, I was surprised because it seemed like he was not out for three months. He played with confidence, doing tackles without any fear.

"He showed more confidence this week than compared to last week.

"I don't think anyone has put pressure on him. The club absolutely not, myself absolutely not. We have followed the instruction of the medical staff, he is ready to play.

"Every one of us has total confidence in him. He knows that he's really important for this club, this is not going to put more pressure in him. He has no pressure, he's happy here, so the expectation for him can be a good motivation."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.