Sean Dyche issues early Everton team news v Crystal Palace
Sean Dyche is hoping to have “a couple back in” as Everton prepare for their FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace on Thursday 4 January.
The Toffees manager revealed team news around Dele Alli, Ashley Young and Abdoulaye Doucoure, while Idrissa Gana Gueye “probably will” join up with the Senegal team for the 2023 African Cup of Nations but is still receiving treatment for an injury.
Although Alli and Young are definite absentees for the clash with The Eagles, Doucoure is said to be “touch and go” amid a tricky decision ahead of the Round Three fixture.
“There are people who are touch and go – do you play them, do you not?” Dyche said in a press conference, transcribed by Ben Dinnery (3 January).
“We hope to have a couple back in with the idea of playing. Doucoure is just about back in full training but it would be a touch-and-go scenario.
“He probably will [go to AFCON] but he is still here at the moment receiving treatment. If that treatment comes to an end, maybe this weekend or early next week, then their power is to call him up.
“Dele Alli is being assessed. He’s got an injury that still needs time. Young was out on the grass today but on the medical side. He’s still got a bit to go but it’s good to see him out on the grass.”
Risk and reward
News of Doucoure’s possible long-awaited return will be a huge boost ahead of a rather difficult match-up at Selhurst Park, coming up against a team fresh from a 3-1 victory against Brentford.
Everton are yet to win a game this season without the Frenchman in the side, so will be hopeful of his appearance. However, it could be a silly decision to risk him, returning to the starting XI too quickly.
Alli’s setback is a significant blow, especially with Dyche’s lack of options in midfield. But he could be a key player in the coming weeks as they prepare to face Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Brighton over the next two months.
Young’s experience has been a major miss recently, with Nathan Patterson deputising at right-back and rightfully receiving criticism after a shocking defensive display versus Wolves in a 3-0 defeat.
However, Dyche could see the FA Cup as a chance to rest some of his more key players and give those returning players a chance to recuperate before some important Premier League fixtures.
In other Everton news, insiders have shared a huge nine-figure update as star transfer speculation heats up.