In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned Everton that they must adapt following the injury to Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Doucoure, who joined Everton from Watford in the last summer transfer window, has been an important player for Carlo Ancelotti this season, making 30 appearances in all competitions for the Toffees.
However, the French midfielder is now expected to be a long-term absentee after picking up an injury against West Brom at the start of the month, leaving his manager with a huge headache.
It is a blow for Everton, who must now adapt, according to Palmer, as they continue to push for a Champions League spot. Discussing Doucoure’s injury with FFC, the former Sheffield Wednesday player said:
“He’s played exceptionally well for them. Every club misses their good players, every club misses their good players. So, yeah, they’re going to miss him, they’re going to have to reshuffle the pack a little bit, but what can you do? He’s injured and that’s why you’ve got a squad of players.
“They’re playing really well, Everton, so I think they can adapt to the loss. But it is a big loss for them.”
While Ancelotti will be without Doucoure for the foreseeable future, the Italian at least has Allan to call upon again. The Brazilian midfielder has also had his injury problems this season but is available for selection again in a massive boost for the Merseyside club.
Ancelotti, unfortunately, still has to contend with the absence of attacking midfielder James Rodriguez, though the 29-year-old should be fit to play again when the Premier League returns after the international break.