Abdoulaye Doucoure fitness update shared from Finch Farm ahead of Everton v Crystal Palace
Sean Dyche has been handed a major boost as Abdoulaye Doucoure was pictured back in training on Thursday (15 February).
Doucoure has played just once for Everton since hobbling off at half-time in the 2-0 victory at Burnley on 16 December.
The 31-year-old suffered a fresh injury setback on his return to the side when playing 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in 14 January.
Abdoulaye Doucoure injury issues
However, Everton confirmed on their official website on Thursday (15 February) that Doucoure has returned to training at Finch Farm.
Sean Dyche had previously said he is hopeful of having the midfielder back for Monday’s (18 February) huge showdown with Crystal Palace.
That now seems likely to be the case as the Mali international has another training session or two to get up to full speed in time.
Dyche has already learned what can happen if Doucoure is rushed back too quickly, but his importance to the side cannot be understated.
Everton record without Abdoulaye Doucoure
Indeed, Everton have not won any of the six Premier League games they have played since Doucoure was initially ruled out in December.
Despite his time on the sidelines, and the fact he is not a forward, Doucoure remains Everton’s top scorer this season with six goals.
Next on that list, rather appallingly, is Dominic Calvert-Lewin with just three goals, level with Jack Harrison.
Doucoure is massively important to Everton’s hopes of avoiding the drop and Dyche will therefore start him against Palace if he is indeed fit.
With Seamus Coleman now pushing for a start, and Amadou Onana and Ashley Young reaching full fitness, Dyche finally has some options.
And in Doucoure, he has a player who can prove the difference in that six-pointer with the Eagles at Goodison Park.
In other Everton news, an update has been shared by Sky Sports on the new stadium naming rights.
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