Everton team news v Crystal Palace: Sean Dyche shares Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana updates
Sean Dyche has confirmed that Abdoulaye Doucoure is in contention to feature for Everton against Crystal Palace on Monday (19 February).
Doucoure, who has played just once since the 2-0 win over Burnley on 16 December, returned to training at Finch Farm earlier this week.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Saturday (17 February), Dyche shared an update on Everton’s fitness doubts.
“Amadou Onana and Seamus Coleman are back in the thinking after coming through a couple more training sessions,” he said, via the club’s YouTube account.
“Doucoure is back in the thinking as well. He’s been on the grass this week and they’ll be in the squad with a thought to getting in the side.
“Doucs has done very well. If he’s right and feels right then he’s in the thinking. We’ve still got another couple of days before the game.”
Dyche also added that Ben Godfrey “is doing well” after going off against Manchester City with a sickness bug.
Arnaut Danjuma has “got a few weeks yet”, meanwhile, and Andre Gomes is back in training but his situation “is a delicate” one, meaning he is unlikely to be risked.
Everton handed injury boost pre-Crystal Palace
Doucoure’s importance to Everton cannot be understated. The Toffees have not won any of the six Premier League games they have played since Doucoure was initially ruled out in December.
Despite the attacking midfielder’s spell on the sidelines, he has still scored double the number of league goals as any Everton player this season.
Having Doucoure – presumably – back in the starting line-up really could prove the difference in this huge showdown with fellow strugglers Palace.
Godfrey is also available, as expected, while having Onana available from the off is another positive. All Dyche needs now is for Danjuma and Gomes to make their returns to the squad.
These final three months of the campaign really are huge for Everton, so having a full-fit squad – or something close to it, with the exception of Dele Alli – can be the difference between relegation and survival.
Now it is down to those selected by Dyche to show what they are capable of and drag us away from danger, regardless of the points appeal decision.
In other Everton news, a talkSPORT host was left amazed by a Toffees prediction made by Darren Bent live on air.
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