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Loads of Everton fans have been left fuming as some injury news emerged on Lucas Digne.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the former FC Barcelona ace has now withdrawn from the France squad because of a minor hamstring injury.

He will come back to USM Finch Farm to be assessed by the Merseyside club’s medical team.

Digne is the only senior left-back currently in Rafa Benitez’s squad at the moment, and so a long absence would not be ideal at all for the Spaniard, who would have to play someone out of position in order to plug in the gap.

Nonetheless, the fact that it is a ‘minor’ injury may give Toffees supporters just a little bit of hope, although the news has left a lot of them now fearing the worst.

Everton fans on Digne injury news

These Blues fumed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one EFC fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘typical’:

“Hate international football.”

Credit: @JoeBlue202

“Typical! We only have 3 players on international duty, our lowest for a long time and one gets injured!”

Credit: @MacdoonJnr

“It’s terrible but it’s Everton”

Credit: @benjwinstanley

“At least we have a backup left ba… oh wait.”

Credit: @BradEFC10

“Surprise surprise, the lads knackered. Long summer and no rotation. Well in Brands.”

Credit: @Gwedlid

“You’re joking”

Credit: @benbrizzle

In other news, find out what club news has Evertonians delighted here!

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn helped Scotland to a 1-0 win over Austria on Tuesday evening.

And a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to a specific video of the 26-year-old in action on social media.

McGinn made his 37th appearance for his country in Vienna in a crucial World Cup qualifier win, playing the entirety of the fixture in an attacking midfield role.

Towards the end of the game, McGinn collected the ball in midfield and headed for the corner flag. He beat an opponent twice before falling on top of the ball claiming a free-kick, with the full-time whistle following his mazy run.

McGinn, who featured alongside older brother Paul, making his Scotland debut against Austria, will now return to the Midlands ahead of Villa’s weekend clash with Chelsea.

Villa fans react

@VillaLion1982 shared the clip of McGinn’s antics on Twitter on Tuesday evening. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘absolutely brilliant’.

“There’s gonna be a statue outside VP of this kid.”

Credit: @man_compute

“Absolutely brilliant from McGinniesta here”

Credit: @alistrathern

“I love this man”

Credit: @NotFernandoNels

“Love ya Ginny”

Credit: @chazlittlej

“He’s like a kid in the park, fantastic”

Credit: @MDClabon

“Love this man”

Credit: @Scott78273205

In other news: Lots of AVFC fans react to this reported transfer snub. 

Arsenal will be looking to build on their recent form as they play host to the first north London derby of the 2021/22 season this afternoon.

After a difficult start to the new campaign, the Gunners have seemingly turned a corner with three straight victories in all competitions and manager Mikel Arteta is blessed with a fully fit and available squad for the very first time.

It does, however, give him a number of decisions to make in terms of team selection.

Here’s the starting XI we’re predicting at the Emirates Stadium today…

The north Londoners’ recent change in fortunes has been, in part, down to their changes at the back as summer signing Aaron Ramsdale has excelled in the place of Bernd Leno.

He should come straight back into the side, whilst the youthful backline of Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White and fellow new addition Takehiro Tomiyasu are expected to all start, having been rested against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Further up the pitch in midfield, things start to become a bit tricky for Arteta.

He has gone for a three-man engine room in recent matches, with Thomas Partey pairing up with Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe and all three could still remain in the starting lineup. However, the return of Granit Xhaka hands him a fresh dilemma.

Given his experience in this fixture, the Swiss international could come straight back in to partner the Ghanian in a deeper role, with the academy gem reverting to the left flank and the former Real Madrid star going back into the no.10 role.

They could be joined by Bukayo Saka on the right, meaning there is no place for Nicolas Pepe, though expect him to feature from the bench.

Whilst upfront, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to be preferred to Alexandre Lacazette.

In total, there could be ten changes from their Carabao Cup triumph only a few days ago.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Spurs (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Tierney, Gabriel, White, Tomiyasu; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Smith Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang

AND in other news, Arteta must unleash Arsenal’s £18m-rated “warrior” vs Spurs, he can thwart Kane & Son…

Sunderland have potentially been dealt a double injury blow ahead of their League One fixture on Tuesday night.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by the Sunderland Echo, both Corry Evans and Luke O’Nien are doubts for the trip to Burton Albion, with Lee Johnson set to make a call on whether or not he includes either of the duo in his matchday squad.

However, the report added that Evans is a major doubt for the clash, with the midfielder having been withdrawn in the second half of the MK Dons fixture as a result of a muscle injury.

Meanwhile, O’Nien appears to have a slightly better chance of featuring on Tuesday, with the right-back having missed Saturday’s 2-1 win due to illness.

Johnson will be worried

Johnson does have a number of options from which to choose in central midfield, with Dan Neil, Carl Winchester and Elliot Embleton all capable of operating in the position. However, the loss of club captain Evans would nevertheless come as a huge blow to the 40-year-old, as the former Blackburn Rovers man is a player who the Black Cats boss is eager to make a cornerstone of his Sunderland side this season.

O’Nien’s absence would more than likely cause Johnson a much bigger selection headache, as the 26-year-old is the only natural right-back in the Mackems’ squad.

The manager could potentially deploy one of Winchester, Tom Flanagan or Bailey Wright in the position, although the former will be needed in central midfield if Evans is not deemed fit enough to feature, while Flanagan and Wright will most likely be required at centre-back.

In any case, being without either player is sure to be a worrying blow for Johnson, especially as his side are facing a testing away trip to a Burton team who, along with Sunderland, are one of only four clubs with a 100% record in League One so far this season.

In other news: Johnson must unleash “immense” £2.25m-rated SAFC gem vs Burton, he’s a game-changer

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Max Lowe to the City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Dane Murphy’s side have seen an offer of a season-long loan for the left-back turned down by Sheffield United.

The report goes on to state that both Reading and Swansea City are also believed to be interested in the defender, while it is unclear whether Forest will continue their pursuit of the 24-year-old following their failed approach.

Murphy must move

With there having been something of a defence overhaul at Nottingham Forest this summer, with all of Yuri Ribeiro, Nikolas Ioannou, Michael Dawson and Michael Hefele having departed the club, while it is also clear that there is no real future for either Carl Jenkinson or Gaetan Bong in Nottingham, Chris Hughton has been left rather short in a number of positions across his backline.

However, it is undoubtedly at left-back where the 62-year-old lacks the most depth, with the former Norwich City manager having to recall Bong from his exile in order to field a player in the position so far this season.

As such, it would certainly appear as if the position is somewhere Murphy must strengthen prior to the closure of the summer transfer window next Tuesday, with Lowe appearing to be a fantastic candidate for the club.

Indeed, while the former England U20 international failed to cement a place in the Sheffield United starting XI last season, making just eight appearances in the competition, the left-back nevertheless proved in the campaign prior he is an extremely capable option in the Championship.

Indeed, over his 29 second-tier appearances for Derby County back in 2019/20, the £2.7m-rated man helped his side keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning a whopping 6.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Alan Biggs dubbed a “proven Championship performer” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.83, earning the £14k-per-week defender a £3.47m move to the then-Premier League side Sheffield United.

So, the signing of Lowe would not only have plugged a gap that needs filling for Hughton, his addition would also more than likely have helped to raise the overall level of defending in the Forest backline, something that is desperately needed at the City Ground at present – leading us to believe Murphy should indeed do all he can to secure a deal for the left-back over what remains of the summer transfer window.

In other news: Lost 75% duels: Abject NFFC dud who made just 6 passes badly failed Hughton vs Wolves

A surprising name may be the next to depart Tottenham Hotspur, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

Speaking on his Twitch channel, the renowned Italian transfer guru revealed that left-back Ben Davies could be the latest player to leave the club before this month’s transfer deadline.

Back-up goalkeeper Joe Hart became the most recent departure, swapping North London for Glasgow, signing for Celtic. He followed both Erik Lamela, who has joined Sevilla, and Toby Alderweireld, who has gone to Qatar, out the exit door.

“Ben Davies is one of Tottenham’s players that could leave next,” Romano claimed.

Doesn’t fit the system

The 28-year-old featured in 38 matches across all competitions under Jose Mourinho last season but only 14 of these were starts in the Premier League.

This move could be the first real sign of Nuno Santo stamping down his mark on the club, especially as the Portuguese seems to be awash with plenty of options in the role.

Nuno’s first-choice option is likely to be Sergio Reguilon, who seems the perfect fit for him as he likes to get up and down the flank. Similarly, rarely-seen gem Ryan Sessegnon is in a similar mould, whilst there’s also Dennis Cirkin, who Mourinho was a big fan of too.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-team-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-copy” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, gossip and much more!”]

Davies is much more defensively-minded than either of the trio above, which means his place is in a precarious spot right now.

Even then, there have to be question marks over his ability as he struggled at times last season, none more so than a game against Liverpool, where he was described as “appalling” by former Leeds striker Noel Whelan to Football Insider.

Only one other Spurs star (Moussa Sissoko, 6.44) that started more games in the league recorded a worse average WhoScored rating than Davies (6.56), which speaks volumes and would reinforce why Nuno may want to offload him.

The Portuguese coach must be ruthless if he knows that there is no place for the 64-time Welsh international in his side, especially as his exit could help finance some further incomings.

Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, Spurs could also get around £65k-per-week off the wage bill, which will help Fabio Paratici and his transfer plans even more.

With Nuno expected to utilise an attacking left-back next season, it would be wise for Davies to move on. He’s just not the right fit for the new Spurs boss, nor is he good enough anymore.

Daniel Levy and Paratici must sanction his exit, should any bids come forward.

AND in other news, Spurs target to “fly to London” to complete move…

Crystal Palace have suffered a potentially fatal blow in their pursuit of Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong after Southampton agreed a deal for his signature, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Crystal Palace gear up for new season

With the 2021/22 Premier League season set to kick off this coming weekend, new Eagles boss Patrick Vieira will be desperate to land all his preferred targets in order to bed in his plan for long-term success at Selhurst Park.

Kicking off his recruitment drive in style, the Frenchman has acquired six players in the form of Michael Olise, Jacob Montes, Conor Gallagher, Marc Guehi, Remi Matthews and Joachim Andersen [Transfermarkt].

However, they could now look set to miss out in their reported pursuit of Armstrong following recent developments.

The Latest: Southampton agree fee for Armstrong

Southampton are believed to have successfully negotiated a fee of around £15m for the Blackburn frontman, amid speculation that Crystal Palace and Norwich City were also interested in the 24-year-old. [The Athletic].

Personal terms have not yet been finalised, but he is scheduled to undergo a medical on the south coast on Tuesday morning.

The Verdict: Losing out on Armstrong will be a bitter blow

With their team in need of attacking reinforcements (Vieira has just three centre-forwards), missing out on Armstrong will come as a bitter blow to Crystal Palace supporters.

In 2020/21, the former Newcastle United youngster was in sparkling form, registering 34 goal contributions in 43 appearances as he notched 29 goals and five assists for Blackburn [Transfermarkt]. Creating havoc for opposition defences last term, the 24-year-old averaged no fewer than 4.7 shots per game in the Championship [WhoScored].

Once labelled as “brilliant” by his manager Tony Mowbray [BT Sport], Armstrong appears to have the goal-scoring tendencies required to succeed at a high level of football.

Progressing towards the new campaign, Palace will now need to turn their attention to alternative centre-forward targets as the transfer deadline draws ever-closer.

In other news, many Crystal Palace fans react to this backroom update.

Alfredo Morelos may be unavailable for at least the start of Glasgow Rangers’ Champions League campaign due to quarantine rules.

The Lowdown: Morelos at Copa America

Morelos competed for Colombia at the summer’s Copa America tournament, which was eventually won by Argentina. Colombia ended up finishing third.

As such, the 25-year-old has been given extra time off ahead of the new term – but they may now cause the Ibrox outfit some issues.

The Latest: Morelos faces quarantine complications

After the end of the tournament, Morelos returned to his hometown of Cerete.

However, with Colombia on the United Kingdom’s travel red-list, anyone returning from the country is subject to ten days in quarantine. Footballers may be given exemptions, but there is no guarantee (via The Daily Record).

The Verdict: Understandable

It is perhaps not a situation Steven Gerrard will be too happy with. After all, the Gers are two rounds away from the Champions League group stages – with £10.8m-valued Morelos (Transfermarkt) being one of their top marksmen, his presence against Malmo in the third qualifying round and beyond if they get past that would be important.

However, this could not really be avoided. Due to his participation in the Copa America, Morelos will have been unable to relax until the end of the competition – no-one therefore can begrudge him going home for two weeks. As such, it is just something Rangers will have to live with.

In other news, Rangers fans were delighted with this man against Real Madrid.

Leicester City have been linked with a move for Sampdoria winger Mikkel Damsgaard after a string of impressive displays at Euro 2020.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports reporter Ben Grounds (as reported by Leicestershire Live), the Foxes have opened negotiations with the 20-year-old’s representatives over a potential transfer.

Damsgaard has starred for Denmark over the summer, scoring one goal and providing an assist, helping his nation reach the semi-finals of the European Championship.

Fans surely buzzing

The youngster is a product of the famed Nordsjaelland academy and only moved to the Serie A 12 months ago via a £6 million deal.

However, after a solid first campaign in Italian football and an outstanding contribution to Denmark’s run to the last four of the Euros, he could be on the move once again over the coming months.

Damsgaard recorded modest numbers last term as he settled into life at Sampdoria, bagging just two goals and providing a modest four assists in 35 top-flight appearances.

Nevertheless, he still managed 1.5 dribbles per league game, the highest tally amongst his teammates. His potential is clear for all to see, and he’s showcased it on the international stage to devastating effect.

After playing a pivotal part in a shock 2-1 victory over eventual champions Inter back in January, TV2’s football expert Martin Mikkelsen hailed Damsgaard as being “magical”, praising his decision-making in the final third despite his tender years.

“He’s magical – what speed! He is dynamic and can go both ways. He is creative but also so mature in his decisions,” Mikkelsen claimed.

After Harvey Barnes suffered a season-ending injury in February, Leicester were left with the ageing Marc Albrighton, and the underwhelming Cengiz Under as the only recognised wingers in their squad.

The likes of Ajoze Perez and Ricardo Pereira were forced to play out of position as the Midlands outfit narrowly missed out on a Champions League qualification spot once again.

Brendan Rodgers has already secured the signatures of Patson Daka and Boubaary Soumare as the Northern Irish tactician plots another assault on the top four, but acquiring another winger is thought to be high up on his wish list.

Damsgaard would certainly fit the bill of a typical Leicester signing, and news that the club have opened talks with his representatives will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

And, in other news…Rodgers can save millions by unleashing never-seen LCFC gem, he’s “absolutely class” 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Everton defender Michael Ball believes Jonjoe Kenny has not been given a fair chance at Goodison Park.

The 24-year-old right-back spent the second half of last season out on loan at Celtic. This comes after his season-long loan with Bundesliga outfit Schalke during the 2019/20 campaign.

Ultimately, Kenny has been far from the first team at Everton and the Englishman is now being linked with a move away from the club, with the MailOnline claiming last month that he is a surprise target for Arsenal.

For Ball, Kenny simply has not been given a real opportunity. On the defender, the ex-Everton star told FFC:

“I feel sort of sorry for Jonjoe, really. He’s come in, young kid, done pretty well and then we put bodies in front of him, bringing in players on loan.

“It didn’t work and he got sort of pushed back and then when asked, he came in and done an ok job.

“When you’re in and out of a side, no matter how old you are, it’s very difficult to get consistency. So I don’t feel he’s had a fair crack of the whip at the club.”

Coming through the club’s academy, some supporters would probably like to see Kenny stick around, challenge Seamus Coleman for that right-back position and give Rafael Benitez something to think about.

However, with Everton currently chasing Denzel Dumfries, he could once again be pushed out of Goodison Park.