Everton are a club embroiled in so many problems it is honestly hard to keep up.
Whether it be fending off interest for their star players or defending their position against the tyranny of the Premier League and its criminally vague financial rules, there has not been a moment of peace this season for fans, players or the coaching staff.
Sean Dyche recently admitted that, had he known about what was to unfold, he would still have taken the job regardless. ‘I don’t believe so. The perfect job is rare,’ he claimed, when asked if he had any regrets.
Things have arguably been as far from perfect as humanely possible.
And the latest setback that continues to plague him is, ironically enough, now on the pitch, as his side is enduring a huge struggle at the moment which has seen their form dip.
That is, in no small part intrinsically linked to the ongoing absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure.
When will Abdoulaye Doucoure be back from injury?
Having been brought off back in early December as his side cruised to an away win over Burnley, in what many believed to be a cautionary measure, persisting hamstring injuries on both legs have thwarted what had been a blistering start to the campaign.
Despite missing seven of their last eight games in all competitions, he remains their top goalscorer with six strikes.
And whilst Dyche has remained coy on a comeback date, with hamstring injuries it is never a speedy turnaround.
These things need nothing but time to heal, and so the 31-year-old is forced to wait until his fitness returns.
The latest said on his potential return was just that: ‘[Doucoure] is settling down well. He’s not going to be back this week, though.’
Who could Everton replace Abdoulaye Doucoure with?
With clearly no funds to replace him in the market, Everton will simply have to look for a solution already inside the club.
Fortunately, they already boast an energetic and attack-minded midfield general who could thrive if handed a more advanced role: James Garner.
Although the Manchester United academy graduate has impressed this campaign beside Amadou Onana as a holding partnership, after being lauded for his ‘exceptional’ loan spell by pundit Paul Robinson, it could be seen as a role that somewhat limits his ability to influence the offensive end of the field.
After all, even from his deeper position, he still is managing 1.3 shots and 1.3 key passes per game in the Premier League.
To add such incision to an attack that has looked so blunt in recent weeks could be pivotal, not to mention that he pairs such quality with 2.6 tackles and five ball recoveries per game too.
He could certainly fill Doucoure’s spot at least whilst he is gone, providing far more control and intelligence than is gained when shoehorning the likes of Jack Harrison into that space.
Although it is an unfamiliar place for Garner to shine, it could actually unlock the 21-year-old’s potential as a creative influence.
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