Massive injury boost for Everton tempered by Mason Holgate concern

Defender Yerry Mina has made a timely return to fitness as manager Carlo Ancelotti has an injury worry over fellow centre-back Mason Holgate ahead of the new season starting next weekend.

Holgate, the Toffees’ most consistent central defender in the latter half of the previous campaign following Ancelotti’s arrival in December, limped off in the first half of Saturday’s 2-0 friendly win over Preston.


It is understood the 23-year-old left Goodison Park on crutches and will be assessed on Sunday.

However, Mina, who missed the last three matches of last season with a thigh injury and has not featured in pre-season, will be fully fit for their opener at Tottenham in a week’s time.

“Mason had a problem with his toe. I hope it will be nothing serious,” Ancelotti told evertontv.

“Yerry started to train this week and he is going to be fit for Sunday.”

Ancelotti’s other options in central defence are Michael Keane, who will return to the squad on Wednesday after international duty with England, and 18-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite, who only made his senior debut in July.

 

ALLAN STATES AIMS ARE SEALING EVERTON SWITCH

Brazil international Allan has claimed he is “immensely happy” after becoming Everton’s first signing of the summer.

Allan signs for Everton

The 29-year-old midfielder is reunited with Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti, with whom he worked at the Serie A club. He has signed a three-year contract for an initial fee believed to be around £21.7million.

Allan featured in 61 matches for Ancelotti at Napoli. And he admitted he could not turn down the opportunity to work with the Italian again.

“It is a real pleasure to sign for Everton. I am immensely happy to be here,” he told evertontv.

“I hope, like I have done in my entire career, I contribute with my performances. Together with my team-mates I will put in some great games, great performances and win important things.” Read more…