Everton injury update 'like a new signing' as Doucoure verdict emerges on Sky Sports
Ben Ransom has stated that the return of Abdoulaye Doucoure is "like a new signing" for Everton ahead of a tough Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
The Toffees' leading goalscorer suffered a thigh injury during their 2-0 victory over Burnley, being substituted at half-time and has been unavailable since.
The Sky Sports reporter believes the return of Doucoure will be incredibly important after a series of five games without a win, as he was spotted back in training.
"We will have to wait to see if he is fit enough to start but it [Doucoure's return to training] is a huge boost," Ransom said live on Sky Sports' The Football Show (10 January, 12:28pm).
"He is their leading goalscorer this season, with six goals. To get him back and fit will be like a new signing this weekend."
Key player returns
There is absolutely no understating Doucoure's importance at Goodison Park, leading the list of goalscorers. The next-best scorer is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been plagued by injury in recent seasons.
The Frenchman has been a revelation for Everton this season, being just one goal short of his best-ever scoring season. Everton are yet to lose a match in which Doucoure has scored, beating Brentford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and Chelsea, and drawing with Sheffield United.
Up until his injury against Burnley, the 21-year-old had started all 17 of Everton's Premier League fixtures and was one of the key individuals for Sean Dyche; he still is.
Doucoure will be vital if Everton are to return to winning ways this weekend against Unai Emery's high-flyers. The Toffees have experienced a steep drop in form since their four consecutive victories, with the club now back to being at risk of relegation.
With Luton Town, the team one point below them in the table, preparing to face fellow strugglers, Burnley, Everton could face the idea of being back in the relegation zone for the first time since their 10-point deduction.