Everton Covid update as just NINE outfield players available for Burnley and Lucas Digne’s future discussed

Rafa Benitez has been speaking to the media ahead of Everton’s trip to Burnley on Boxing Day.

Here are the main talking points from his press conference.

Covid cases

Covid cases in the Premier League are at an all-time high.

Everton’s fixture against Leicester City last weekend was postponed for that reason, while they were missing several player for the trip to Chelsea.

The Toffees continue to have cases in the camp, with Benitez revealing only nine senior outfield players are available ahead of the Turfmoor clash.

He said: “I’m really surprised the game is going on because of all the cases we have and injuries.

“I’d like to explain if some people don’t realise. We follow all the rules, do the lateral flows, PCRs, masks and three dressings rooms but we can’t control it if a player goes to a game and has no symptoms.

“That’s what happened the other day against Chelsea. We had to play some young players then found we had five positive cases.

“We expected the game to be postponed and keep the integrity of the league.

“They talk about the numbers. At the moment, we have nine outfield players available and then three keepers. We have to bring in five young players.

“The reality is that some of these players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been out for two months.

“Some of these players have knocks and we have to push them. They are not fit and who will take responsibility if something happens?

“My main job now s to find 11 players in the right position to compete against Burnley which is not easy.”

Lucas Digne’s future

With Vitaliy Mykolenko set to arrive in January, much talk has been about Lucas Digne’s future at Goodison Park.

The Frenchman hasn’t featured for the past three games amid a dispute with Benitez over tactics.

In the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last time out, Digne was ill but was omitted from the match-day squads against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Benitez revealed Digne is available again for selection at Burnley but wouldn’t be drawn if Everton will look to sell next month.

“At the moment, yes [Digne is available],” the Spaniard said.

“We don’t know what is going to happen but at the moment, yes.

“At the moment Lucas is our player. Everyone can talk about the market but my focus is on the player we have and at the moment, Lucas is available.

“I want to be very clear. Lucas has been a key player for us. He was an important player and someone working very hard in every trainin session and even during the games.

“I was surprised with the situation but he’s still our player and has to be available and play.

“It’s not about the manager and the player - it’s about the fans and the club and the people who’re paying you every week and month. It’s about being professional and taking responsibility for your actions.”

Coronavirus problems.

Benitez discussed the problems the raft of Covid cases are having on him and his squad.

He said: “Every case will be diifferent. In our case, they do the numbers. They say you can play but it’s a massive risk for some of our players.

“Jordan Henderson’s talked about player welfare and that’s something we have to consider.

“You can close the training ground and allowed not to play the game. We were trying to do that right thing and will be punished for that.

“Before training sessions, we have a meeting with staff and see which players are available and teams we can select. It can be a nightmare, sometimes we have to pick the phone up to see which under-23s players are available and it’s quite complicated.

“We’re dealing with that but still I’m surprised with this game.

“We have a weak team in terms of senior players. We have to bring in five players who aren’t even 21.”