Digne to be frozen out at Everton after confirmed news - pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Lucas Digne is set to be frozen out by Rafa Benitez at Everton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker suggested a "fall out" between the pair could see Benitez cast Digne aside.
The left-back was left out of the matchday squad entirely for the 2-1 win over Arsenal on Monday (6 December).
Benitez refused to rule out accusations of a rift between him and Digne to Sky Sports after the game.
The Athletic reported today (8 December) the Frace international was fit and available to play but had a row in front of the squad with Benitez ahead of the game.
"It's very strange," Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
"Lucas Digne gets in the France squad for this to happen is very strange.
"But sometimes these things happen. Sometimes players fall out with managers. Benitez might be no-nonsense and it's a case of 'If you fall out with me, you're not involved. I don't care if you're one of the big players'.
"It looks as if he's got that about him, Benitez. If you annoy him, it doesn't matter if you're the star player, you're not involved.
"I think Digne and Benitez have definitely got a problem."
Digne signed a new long-term deal at Goodison Park in February and is under contract until the summer of 2025.
The 28-year-old has played 15 times across all competitions under Benitez this season and has captained the side in the absence of Seamus Coleman.