Doucoure edges closer to Everton return after stepping up rehab
Abdoulaye Doucoure has edged closer to making his Everton return following a foot injury that has kept him out of action since early March.
The French midfielder last played for the Blues against West Brom last month, coming off in the first half after breaking a bone in his foot.
Everton have confirmed that the 28-year old has now stepped up his rehabilitation by undergoing individual outdoor training exercises at USM Finch Farm.
Carlo Ancelotti had previously expressed a desire to see Doucoure back in action for the Toffees before the end of the season, with the former Watford man having quickly become a vital player for the club.
Now the Italian coach has been handed a massive boost, with Doucoure’s return to active training indicating that he could soon rejoin the rest of the group, assuming there are no late hitches.
Vital return
Everton have absolutely missed Doucoure’s presence since his injury last month, with no player at the club able to match his energy and leg work in midfield.
Doucoure quickly become a vital cog in the Everton machine upon his arrival from Watford last summer, setting the tempo for how the Blues play, and he will certainly be welcomed back into the starting line-up with open arms.
However Everton must ensure that they don’t rush him back. Given that Doucoure’s injury was a fracture, and not a ligament or muscle issue, there isn’t quite as much danger in bringing him back before he’s ready, though it still wouldn’t be wise to force him back into action at the risk of his long-term availability.
That said, Everton haven’t performed as the same level since his absence, and with the race for Europe heating up it would be ideal if the club could have the Frenchman at their disposal.
It would be great if Doucoure could play a part before the end of the season, so we hope he continues to recover well.
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