Carlo Ancelotti explains why he may not entrust Niels Nkounkou at the moment

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Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has explained Niels Nkounkou will need to be patient for a regular run in the starting XI, stating he prefers more experienced players.

With Lucas Digne potentially out injured for another couple of months (BBC Sport), some see this as Nkounkou’s chance to stake a claim.

The young Frenchman has made a few appearances in the EFL Cup, as well as one 45-minute appearance against Newcastle in the Premier League.

Digne has undergone surgery after damaging ankle ligaments so in theory, it is a chance for Nkounkou.

But Ancelotti’s comments in his press conference yesterday suggest the 20-year-old won’t be his fellow countryman’s replacement immediately and consistently.

He said (quoted by Liverpool Echo): “To be in the squad, to be in the team he needs more experience.

“For him, it is the first year at a top level as a professional, he has to improve, he is improving.

“There’s no doubt about his professionalism.

“He is really focused in training, he’s going to play but in this moment I prefer more experienced players.”

TBR’s View – Nkounkou’s time will come

It may feel disappointing for £55,000-a-week star Nkounkou (Spotrac) given he is the ‘natural’ replacement for Digne.

But Ancelotti has decided to go with Godfrey in recent weeks and his decision has been justified.

The Italian seems to feel Nkounkou isn’t quite ready yet, but he is only 20 and the Premier League can be quite unforgiving to young players in their first seasons – especially with so many quality wingers in the division.