Injured Everton Midfielder Set To Return In A Couple Of Weeks: Big Boost For Benitez?

In a recent interview (via Liverpool Echo), Rafael Benitez revealed that injured Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is set to return in at least a couple of weeks. The Spanish head coach said,

“Doucoure was doing really well in the middle of the pitch, so to lose him in these games is important for any team.

“Even the top sides with big squad, if you lose some key players you suffer a little bit.

“Doucoure is getting better, it seems like he’s progressing well. I cannot say how long exactly, but at least a couple of weeks.

“With the international break, hopefully after he will be fine. It’s a big miss for us, but at the same time it’s an opportunity for other players to show their level.”

Doucoure’s Impressive Form At Goodison Park This Season

The 28-year-old has made a positive start to this campaign as he has already managed to put in some productive displays at the heart of the Toffees midfield. Doucoure has participated in nine matches for the Merseyside outfit this season, finding the back of the net twice and securing four assists on all fronts.

The French midfield ace has been a consistent performer for Everton at the centre of the park based on his average of 2.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 1.8 shots, 1.1 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from midfield, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 82.8% in the English first division (stats via whoscored).

Doucoure Could Return In A Couple Of Weeks: Big Boost For Everton?

Doucoure is a multi-purpose midfielder who established himself as one of the top performers in Benitez’s starting XI prior to his recent injury. He has got the energy to make some powerful runs with the ball from midfield.

The French sensation is also a solid tackler who can read the danger well to win possession back for his team. He doesn’t shy away from clearing the danger when needed and has even added some goals and assists to his game this season.

Hence, Benitez’s positive update on Doucoure’s injury recovery will be a big boost for the Toffees. With some key games coming up against Manchester City, Brentford and Liverpool after the November international break, Everton can definitely use someone of Doucoure’s skillet to pick up some valuable points in those games.