Benitez provides update on injured Everton trio
Everton manager Rafael Benitez has provided an injury update on Abdoulaye Doucoure, Yerry Mina, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Speaking in his post-match press conference after the Toffees lost 2-1 to Wolves, the Spaniard revealed that all three players are getting better [Liverpool Echo].
However, he couldn’t put a timescale on their return, which you would have to say is a bit concerning.
He said: “They are improving but still Doucoure, Yerry Mina and Dominic, we don’t know exactly how long.”
Not the best update from Benitez.
Calvert-Lewin spent the game in the Monday Night Football studio as a pundit; Mina and Doucoure also missed out.
All three have been important players for Benitez this season, so the quicker they are back, the better.
However, if the Spaniard still can’t provide a timescale for any of them, then that isn’t great, and Evertonians will just have to hope that at least one of them can make a return soon.
The midfield badly missed Doucoure on Monday, while in defence, both Michael Keane and Mason Holgate had no authority, and upfront Richarlison battled hard but had little support.
You would think that once this trio returns, things will improve for Everton, but judging by Benitez’s comments, all three could still be out for a long time yet.
In the meantime, the Toffees have to find a way to manage and pick up points because things are falling apart after a good start.
With Spurs and likely Antonio Conte up next, things may get even harder before they get any easier for Benitez and the Blues.
In other Everton news, here is our tactical review of the defeat against Wolves.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.