Journalist Pete O’Rourke has highlighted the injury woes that Lucas Digne has had at Aston Villa since making the switch from Everton in January.
Digne started life at Villa well, but unfortunately has seen his game time halted due to illness and injuries worries, featuring eight times since signing at Villa Park.
The absence of the Frenchman has meant a return to the Villa XI for 36-year-old Ashley Young, who has featured 19 times in the Premier League this season for Villa.
Pete O’Rourke spoke to GIVEMESPORT and highlighted the “frustrating season” for the French full-back after several injury problems.
“It’s been a frustrating season for Lucas Digne, who didn’t have a good time at Everton under Rafa Benitez, got his move to Aston Villa, started quite well, but then it’s been interrupted by illness and now injury. It’s disappointing for him because when you go to a new club, you want to make a good impression straight away,”
With the absence of Digne, we have noted two knock-on effects that this may cause for Aston Villa.
Huge blow for Steven Gerrard
Digne has featured eight times under Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and produced some impressive performances for his side namely against Brighton & Hove Albion when he was awarded a 7.2 player rating, as per Sofascore.
Gerrard brought the French full-back into the club for £25m and shipped Matt Targett off to Newcastle on loan, so he would have hoped to have him playing week in week out, but he hasn’t been able to, which will be a huge blow for the former Liverpool skipper.
Chance for Ashley Young?
Young is an experienced defender who has featured in over 350 Premier League games, but this season has started just nine times for Aston Villa, due to being low down in the pecking order with Matt Targett in the first half of the season, and Lucas Digne in the second half occupying the left-back role.
Young has been used sparingly for Villa this season and was perhaps brought into the club as more of an off-the-field figure who can offer his experience to help the younger players. But due to Digne’s injury, he could feature regularly in the upcoming weeks.
Given his age, it could be the 5 foot 9 star’s one final chance to be a starter in the Premier League.