It’s been a ‘frustrating season’ for Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne following his latest injury setback, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 28-year-old arrived from Everton via a £25 million deal during the January transfer window, but his time at Villa Park has been quite stop-start of late.

What is the latest news involving Digne?

Digne was deemed surplus to requirements by former Toffees boss Rafa Benitez as he didn’t fit into his more defensive-minded system, with Villa swooping in to secure his signature.

Under the tutelage of Steven Gerrard, the France international started six consecutive Premier League games in a row, even setting up the only goal in a narrow victory over his former side at Goodison Park.

However, a positive Covid-19 test ruled him out of action against Southampton before a hamstring injury forced him off the pitch after just ten minutes in the defeat to West Ham last time out.

"He [Digne] says it is a small muscle injury,” said Gerrard after the game. “We will analyse it with an MRI scan. I am positive in what Lucas has said to me, but he is obviously a major doubt for the Arsenal game."

Depending on the severity of the issue, Digne could be facing several weeks on the sidelines, leaving the ageing Ashley Young as the only natural replacement at left-back.

What has O’Rourke said about Digne?

O’Rourke believes this most recent blow will be ‘disappointing’ for Digne, who would have been keen to make a ‘good impression straightaway’ at his new club.

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He told GiveMeSport: “It's been a frustrating season for Lucas Digne, who obviously 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 straightaway.”

How good has Digne been for Aston Villa?

Although Digne has only made eight appearances for the Midlands outfit, he has put in some promising displays at full-back.

As per WhoScored, the former Barcelona ace has averaged 1.3 interceptions, two clearances, 1.4 key passes and 1.3 crosses per league game for Villa.

Those figures put Digne in the top five for each metric amongst his teammates, highlighting the quality he will bring to Gerrard’s charges upon his return to full fitness.