Everton news: Pundit issues ‘big’ Abdoulaye Doucoure claim as new footage emerge
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s return to training is a “big” boost for Everton, according to Danny Mills.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Leeds United and England full-back insisted Doucoure is a “really important” player for Everton.
He has missed their last four games across all competitions after suffering a groin injury in the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last month (22 January).
Everton posted images on their Twitter account of the Frenchman back in training at their Finch Farm HQ on Wednesday (23 February).
Doucoure was spotted training as normal with the rest of the group ahead of their tough game against league leaders Man City at Goodison Park on Saturday (26 February).
The Toffees have lost five of the seven Premier League games the midfielder has missed so far this season.
“He’s a big important player,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“We know how important the midfield is in any game. If you win the midfield battle, you generally win the game.
“He’s good on the ball, he’s athletic. Ok, he’s not going to create too many goals but you leave that to players further forward.
“If you’re going to play in a double pivot alongside Allan then his tenacity, ability to win the ball is second to none and really important.”
Doucoure has played 52 times across all competitions for Everton since his over from Watford in the summer of 2020.
He has 21 goals and 19 assists in 174 Premier League games across his time at the two clubs.
In other news, it is ‘possible’ Yerry Mina’s Everton season could be over due to a ‘rectus femoris‘.