Rafa Benitez details if Lucas Digne will be involved against Chelsea, Moshiri talks and Everton fan unity

The key talking points from the Toffees manager’s pre-match press conference.
Rafa Benitez. Picture: Everton FC/ YoutubeRafa Benitez. Picture: Everton FC/ Youtube
Rafa Benitez. Picture: Everton FC/ Youtube

Rafa Benitez has been speaking to the media ahead of Everton’s trip to Chelsea tomorrow night.

Here are the main talking points from the Toffees boss’ pre-match press conference.

Will Digne be involved?

Lucas Digne in action for Everton. Picture: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty ImagesLucas Digne in action for Everton. Picture: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Lucas Digne in action for Everton. Picture: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
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Lucas Digne has been omitted from the past two squads amid a reported off-field fall out with Benitez.

However, given Everton’s injury situation and the left-back’s quality, many fans believe he should be recalled for the Chelsea game.

Benitez revealed he had planned to restore Digne to his starting XI at Chelsea - but he is now ill and won’t be involved.

He said: “Lucas Digne is a good player and was an important player for us. Yesterday we did a training session and he was in the 11.

“Today he said he is ill and is not available.”

Injury crisis

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Everton have deep injury problems heading to Stamford Bridge.

They were hit with a triple blow on Tuesday after news emerged that Richarlison will be sidelined for several weeks with a calf issue. He picked up his setback in the 3-1 loss at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Andros Townsend is also unavailable after suffering a problem in the same game, while Seamus Coleman is too a doubt.

Richarlison leaves the pitch after being substituted off by Everton’s Spanish manager Rafael Beni­tez. Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty ImagesRicharlison leaves the pitch after being substituted off by Everton’s Spanish manager Rafael Beni­tez. Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images
Richarlison leaves the pitch after being substituted off by Everton’s Spanish manager Rafael Beni­tez. Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images

Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (quad) is still finishing his recovery and Yerry Mina (calf) will again be absent.

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Benitez said: “Andros has a broken bone but we have to see how long.

“Seamus is pushing. He has a swollen foot but wants to help and we will see tomorrow.

“Before the start of the press conference, Dominic is training well and getting close. We don’t to take too much risk and make sure he is 100% fit.”

Benitez hopes to have Allan, who was unavailable at Selhurst Park, back.

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He added: “Allan has been training and have to keep an eye on him. He told me he is ready to help the team and will be available if I need him as he is a warrior and a fighter.”

Richarlison’s comments

When subbed off against Palace, Richarlison cut a frustrated figure and the travelling fans chanted his name in protest of him coming off.

However, after his injury diagnosis, the Brazilian has since admitted Benitez made the correct call to make the substitution.

Benitez held talks with Richarlison this morning to thrash out the situation, with the striker since conducting an interview on the club’s website.

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“We knew he had the problem. The converation I had with him was clear,” said Benitez.

“He recognised he wanted to be on the pitch to help but understands we were trying to do the best for him and the team.

“It’s clear now. A lot of people will realise we were trying to do the best for the team and that’s it.

“I was talking today with some senior players and everyone understands we need to stick together. If you stick together, later you will be stronger.”

Everton striker Richarlison. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty ImageEverton striker Richarlison. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Image
Everton striker Richarlison. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Image

Moshiri talks and fan unity

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Large sections of fans have called for Benitez to be sacked amid a run of just four points in the past 10 games.

There was plenty of ire after the Palace loss, with some worrying the Blues will be dragged into a relegation battle this season.

Benitez has held talks with owner Farhad Moshiri earlier this week, but the Spaniard insisted it was more about the future of the club.

And he hopes fans will realise that stability is needed at Goodison amid the managerial merry-go-round that has preceded him and called for unity.

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Benitez said: “I was talking with Mr Moshiri this morning. I have conversations with the chairman the chief executive them and they support me.

“They have experienced changing managers and trying to adapt and it was not working. What is the feeling for the last feeling of the last years? Success or frustration? You know the answer. I have a lot of friends who tell me the same thing.

“Problems are not something you can fix in five months and I think we are going in the right direction.

“Fans at the beginning could see what we were looking for. We cannot forget two or three things some people forget.

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“We talk about the fans with me. They have to be with the team, manager and players and supporting the club,

“They did that from day one. When people were speculating about what would happen (after Benitez was appointed) the fans were amazing from the beginning. They were enjoying reacting and enjoying at the end because we were winning.

“That is the environment we want and it depends on us on the pitch and those in the stands. The majority of the fans know that.

“They have to realise for 4-5 years in the past, there has been frustration. Now we are trying to change something and have experience to do it. We have done that with other clubs in the Premier League and other countries.

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“We have to stick together. That is crucial. The senior players, you will be surprised with some. They know what I’m talking about, the problems and have to find a solution. They think we are going in the right direction but you have to win games.

“When I talk with the owner, chairman and chief executive nearly every day, we’re talking about what we want to do and already doing for the future.

“We are thinking about the future, January and after January, what we can do to make sure the team and squad is stronger.

“We have to be sure we are strong enough to be ready and for the future too.”