Ancelotti confirms Doucoure could feature for Everton v West Ham
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Abdoulaye Doucoure could return to action for Everton when they travel to face West Ham on Sunday.
The French midfielder has been out injured since fracturing his foot against West Brom in early March, having been an ever-present player in Ancelotti’s squad prior to that.
Everton confirmed last week that Doucoure had stepped up his rehabilitation process, taking to individual outfield training at USM Finch Farm.
Now Ancelotti has provided a more immediate timeline for the former Watford man’s return, claiming he could be passed fit to face the Hammers at the London Stadium.
Speaking prior to Everton’s game against Aston Villa, as reported by the Liverpool Echo, Ancelotti said: “All the players are available and in condition.
“We are going to have back, maybe, Doucoure for next week, and the atmosphere is really good around this.”
Ancelotti has since confirmed that James Rodriguez should be fit to play against West Ham, having missed the Villa game after pulling out injured with a “small problem” during the warm-up.
Fantastic news
Doucoure’s return to fitness couldn’t have come at a better time, with Everton desperate to build any degree of momentum as the final stretch of the season approaches.
After having lost to Aston Villa last weekend the Blues have put more pressure on themselves going forward, with any further slip likely to end in the club missing out on European football ahead of next season.
Doucoure brings an unrivalled energy and work rate to Everton’s midfield, with Ancelotti describing him as the “complete midfielder” earlier in the season, and that legwork will be needed in upcoming clashes against West Ham and the reverse fixture against Aston Villa.
Of course, this is assuming that there aren’t any late hiccups in Doucoure’s recovery plan, which we’re hopeful won’t happen as both the club and the player don’t need a further set-back.
Ancelotti may finally have all of his midfielders (excluding Jean-Philippe Gbamin) fit and available against West Ham, and if the Blues can’t at least give the Hammers a good game at that point then serious questions will need to be asked.
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