Everton right-back Seamus Coleman isn’t expected back in action until the end of the year after suffering a fracture injury in April.
The long-term absence of the Irish defender left boss Ronald Koeman with no other choice than to stick with Mason Holgate, 20, till the end of last campaign.
Former Southampton full-back, Cuco Martina has since been brought in to help boost options in the role, and that has left questions unanswered over the future of Everton’s under-23s skipper Jonjoe Kenny.
The 20-year-old led the Toffees to the Premier League 2 title last term, and also impressed as England under-20’s won the youth World Cup few months ago.
Based off of these achievements, Kenny was expected to be given a chance to prove himself at senior level for club.
However, he was omitted from the matchday squads for the double-legged Europa League qualifiers against Ruzomberok.
Nevertheless, Koeman has got plans for the promising youngster, and as Everton finish up their summer preparations with a match against Sevilla at Goodison Park on Sunday, the Dutch manager revealed what could be next for Kenny, “We know that we have several options for his position with Mason Holgate, with Cuco Martina and Kenny – and, finally, the best will play.
“Of course, we are looking at the development of young players and what we did with Dowell was the best way to develop the player.
“And at the end of this pre-season we will take a decision: if Jonjoe is not really close to a position in the first-team then maybe we will think about what the best is to develop the player.
“They did a great season last season in the under-23s and they need to make the next step. It is really difficult for young players to get a place in the team.”
