Doucoure could be out until 2022 after ‘massive blow’ confirmed at Everton – pundit
Paddy Kenny has suggested Everton could be without Abdoulaye Doucoure until 2022 after an update on his injury.
The former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 28-year-old’s absence would be a “massive” blow for the Toffees.
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 midfielder took to Twitter on the same day to express his disappointment at the injury but insisted he is “determined to come back sooner and better”.
Kenny estimated Doucoure could be sidelined for 10 weeks, which would keep him out until early January.
“You don’t want any of your key players out injured, especially teams like Everton,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“No disrespect to them, but obviously their squad is a lot thinner than a top-end side in this league.
“They need their best players fit.
“With a broken foot, he could be back in 10 weeks – but that’s a quarter of a season and that’s a massive blow for Everton.
“They’ll be desperately working with him to try and get him back fit when the time is right.
“He’s such a key player for them.”
Doucoure has netted two goals and registered four assists in the Premier League this season.
He had been relishing a more attacking role handed to him by new Everton boss Rafael Benitez.
Doucoure suffered a similar injury last season and missed nine games for Everton as a result (as per Transfermarkt).
The midfield star signed for the Merseyside club from Watford in 2020 for a reported £20million.
In other news, pundit predicts Everton star will be axed in coming weeks.