News on the Everton team versus Crystal Palace: Sean Dyche provides updates on Amadou Onana and Abdoulaye Doucoure
Sean Dyche has confirmed that Abdoulaye Doucoure is in contention to make an appearance for Everton against Crystal Palace on Monday (19 February).
Doucoure, who has only played once since the 2-0 victory over Burnley on 16
December, returned to training at Finch Farm earlier this week.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Saturday (17 February),
Dyche provided an update on Everton’s fitness concerns.
“Amadou Onana and Seamus Coleman are back in consideration after completing
a couple more training sessions,” he said, via the club’s YouTube account.
“Doucoure is also back in contention. He has been training on the field this
week and they will be in the squad with the possibility of being in the starting lineup.
“Doucs has performed admirably. If he’s fit and feels ready, then he will be considered.
We still have another couple of days before the game.”
Dyche also mentioned that Ben Godfrey “is progressing well” after being taken off
against Manchester City due to illness.
Arnaut Danjuma still requires “a few more weeks”, and although Andre Gomes
has returned to training, his situation “requires caution,” suggesting he is unlikely to be risked.
Doucoure’s significance to Everton cannot be overstated.
The team has not secured a victory in any of the six Premier League matches since Doucoure’s initial absence in December.
Despite his time on the sidelines, Doucoure has scored twice as many league goals as any other Everton player this season.
Having Doucoure potentially back in the starting lineup could make a significant
impact in the crucial clash against fellow strugglers Palace.
Godfrey’s availability is also a positive sign, while having Onana in contention from the
start is another encouraging development.
Dyche will be hoping for the returns of Danjuma and Gomes to complete the squad.
The final three months of the season are pivotal for Everton, and having a
fully fit squad, or close to it, except for Dele Alli, could make the difference between relegation and survival.
Now it’s up to the players selected by Dyche to demonstrate their capabilities
and guide the team away from the danger zone, regardless of the outcome of the points appeal decision.
Read more related news updates on sporttoday.co.uk
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