Journalist Paul Joyce of The Times has delivered a worrying social media update regarding the fitness of Everton workhorse Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The former Watford box-to-box enforcer looks to have suffered a nasty injury, with Joyce reporting on Twitter that sources close to the club fear that the Everton ace has suffered from a broken foot.
Twitter: Everton concerned Abdoulaye Doucoure is facing lengthy time out with broken foot . (@_pauljoyce)
This comes as reports from the Echo confirmed that Doucoure is due to undergo an operation on a foot injury and faces an extended period on the sidelines.
The midfielder has damaged a metatarsal and is looking at a prolonged spell out as a result, joining a host of other notable faces such as Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the treatment table.
Doucoure has been a mainstay under Rafa Benitez, with the hard-working presence notching up four assists and two goals in just nine games for the Toffees.
He has been afforded more license to roam further up the pitch as he complements the more defensively focused Allan in a two-man midfield pivot.
Resultingly, Everton look to have suffered a significant blow to their options in the middle of the field.
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Doucoure has easily demonstrated his integral role with Rafa Benitez and his new-look Everton side, and his influence is a massive loss for Everton’s options.
When his injury is compounded with the absence of other key stars, Everton are at risk of losing the momentum they fought so hard to accrue at the start of the season.
Fans will hope alternatives can step in and step up quickly to replace their counterparts – else more points may be dropped.
