Everton had very little to shout about yesterday, as they were forced to grind through one of the toughest fixtures in world football.
A trip to last year’s treble winners was never going to be easy, especially with Sean Dyche banned from the touchline and a whole host of injuries to contend with.
But, battle they did, and in the end, it took two late efforts from Erling Haaland to separate the sides after 70 minutes of arduous defending.
The 52-year-old boss will have been proud of the players he had available, but acutely aware of the persisting relegation troubles that have not been abated given recent form.
Fortunately, they could now be set to receive a timely injury boost…
What Sean Dyche said about Abdoulaye Doucoure
With Amadou Onana having come on to enjoy the final few minutes at the Etihad, his return to action was completed.
The Belgian maestro has been a sorely missed figure in the engine room, and his towering yet creative presence promises to be a useful asset for the Premier League run-in.
However, even he cannot compare to Abdoulaye Doucoure when it comes to importance to the side, which will make his imminent return to action all the more sweet.
Speaking following the match, Dyche would offer an injury update on his squad, naturally focusing on the £130k-a-week main man.
The former Burnley boss noted: ‘Doucs hopefully this week gets back on the grass with us, he was just building into that last week so as long as the weekend goes well. We are beginning to get the group back together, full fitness, and that hopefully we can keep everyone fitter for longer.’
How important is Abdoulaye Doucoure to Everton?
It might be difficult to quantify just how important Doucoure is when involved with this Everton team, but perhaps their form without him offers an even better indicator.
After all, since his initial hamstring injury back in December, the Toffees have won just one game of the ten that he has missed, whilst also drawing 0-0 with Aston Villa upon his brief one-match comeback.
As an all-action goalscoring midfielder, he provides that much-needed link between James Garner and Onana and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It is no surprise that the marksman has looked so desperately isolated up front without Doucoure, only extending his goal drought.
His physical presence and clinical nature offer something unlike anything else within Dyche’s side, and as such he remains their top goalscorer with six strikes despite this ongoing injury.
To see him make his triumphant return next week, and then hopefully against Crystal Palace, could prove pivotal in finally recapturing some form to achieve survival.
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