Barely-seen Everton player set for ‘breakthrough’ after crushing Doucoure news – pundit
Alex McLeish has suggested Rafael Benitez could give a barely-seen Everton player a run in the first team after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s crushing injury blow.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland boss admitted the Toffees would struggle to fill the boots of the “outstanding” 28-year-old.
As confirmed by Everton on Tuesday (19th October), Doucoure suffered a stress fracture in his foot during the 1-0 defeat to West Ham.
The Toffees have not set a return date for the midfielder but insist he does not require surgery.
Benitez’s midfield options have become limited, with Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph also missing through injury.
The Spanish manager has Allan, Tom Davies and Jean-Phillipe Gbamin as his fit, senior central midfielders at present.
With Doucoure out, McLeish suggested it could be a “breakthrough” opportunity for one of Everton’s younger talents.
Asked if Doucoure’s injury would be a crushing blow for Benitez, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Absolutely, it is.
“Rafa’s not wet behind the ears, he’ll have all the resources that he will need to try and adjust things a little bit.
“They’ve obviously not got the level of Doucoure just to throw right in. Who knows, it could be the breakthrough for somebody we don’t know much about.
“Doucoure has been outstanding. As I’ve said many times, when you lose your best players it becomes more difficult for the manager. No doubt about it.
“Also his teammates when a player of that magnitude is missing.”
Doucoure has played every minute in the league for Everton this season.
However, he looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Only Paul Pogba (7) has contributed more assists in the Premier League than the Toffees star (4) this term.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Everton are plotting a raid to sign the new Andrew Robertson.