Callum O'Connell

Thu 25 January 2024 20:40, UK

Abdoulaye Doucoure’s potential move away from Everton this month could be set to fall through, with the midfielder set for a “longer-term” spell on the sidelines, according to Ben Dinnery.

The injury expert who has worked with The Athletic shared via his X account on 25 January that Doucoure is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after Sean Dyche admitted he will have to work with what he has.

Fabrizio Romano reported [Give Me Sport, 24 January] that Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq had made a formal approach to Everton, but the latest injury news could mean that move is dead in the water.

This could be a bittersweet moment at Goodison Park. Fans will be pleased that the news could mean he doesn’t leave this month, but a longer-term injury blow will likely cause further problems to an already frustrating season.

Doucoure has been a key part of Dyche’s setup this season, having provided six goals and one assist in 18 Premier League games so far this season, making him the club’s top scorer. Playing in a more advanced role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin has seen Dyche get the best out of his abilities.

Interest from the Saudi Arabian club had caused concern for the Toffees, with the wages on offer in the Middle East previously proving difficult to turn down, with former Everton ace Demarai Gray making the switch during the summer.

It has been widely reported that Everton are strapped for cash in the transfer market, which would make replacing Doucoure difficult, especially with just days to go until the window closes.

However, those concerns could be brushed aside as a result of his injury, although new ones will likely emerge as further details on the blow begin to come out at Goodison Park.

In other Everton news, the club want to do a late January deal for one £25million star.

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