By Adefunmiloye Alani

19th Oct, 2021 | 1:30pm

Everton considering minor operation following Doucoure foot injury

Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure could be out 10 weeks following a foot injury, and a minor operation could be considered, according to El Bobble.

The Frenchman, 28, sustained the knock during weekend’s 1-0 defeat against West Ham United at Goodison Park, and he is still being assessed.

He could miss a large chunk of the remaining games of 2021 in what is undoubtedly a huge blow for the Toffees.

Reliable Everton insider El Bobble – followed on Twitter by The Times journalist Paul Joyce – posted the update on their account this morning.

They said: “Abdoulaye Doucoure is still currently being assessed by Everton’s medical staff.

“An extended lay off, for up to 10 weeks is the current diagnosis on a foot injury. A minor operation is currently being considered for his rehabilitation.”

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Massive blow

Rafa Benitez was without Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at the weekend, and he is now set to be without another one of his most important players.

Doucoure has featured in every minute of the Toffees’ top-flight campaign so far in 2021-22, weighing in with two goals and four assists.

He is likely to be unavailable until Christmas, and that would see him miss around 11 or 13 games, depending on how his recovery goes.

While Everton and the player will be gutted, it could be good news for Jean-Philippe Gbamin.

The Ivory Coast international, 26, has not been involved in Premier League action this term, only featuring in the League Cup win over Huddersfield Town in August.

He recently returned to full fitness and could now have a chance to prove himself in the Blues colours with Benitez’s most influential midfield powerhouse set for extended time on the sidelines.

In other Everton news, Benitez has admitted he finds it hard to understand Toffees man sometimes.

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