Everton news: Pundit issues Abdoulaye Doucoure comeback claim after confirmed news
Kevin Phillips has insisted it is just a “matter of time” before Abdoulaye Doucoure returns to the Everton side despite their January additions.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Toffees boss Frank Lampard must now ease the 29-year-old back in gently.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday (17 February) and quoted by club media, Lampard revealed Doucoure had returned to training ahead of tomorrow’s (19 February) clash against Southampton.
The former Chelsea midfielder hinted that the Frenchman could return against Man City next weekend if he displays “strong progression”.
Doucoure has been sidelined since coming off in the 1-0 loss against Aston Villa last month (22 January).
Phillips suggested Everton have relieved the pressure of the midfielder’s absence with the deadline day captures of Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek.
“Whether he comes straight back in, I don’t know,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“But it’s only a matter of time before he gets back into the side because he’s a very good player.
“As a manager, you’re always reluctant to bring a player straight back in. You always want to ease them in gently, especially as they’ve strengthened in that area.
“Before last month they were really struggling but now they’ve got Van de Beek – who had a good game last time out.
“It takes some of that pressure off Lampard. He won’t want to rush him back and lose him for even longer.”
Van de Beek earned his first Everton start in last week’s win against Leeds and could reprise his role against Southampton.
Alli has made two Toffees appearances since signing, both of which have come from the bench.
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