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Doucoure back in training as Everton face Villa

By Matt Townsend

Aston Villa's English defender Ezri Konsa (front) vies with Everton's Brazilian striker Richarlison during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Dave Thompson / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa's English defender Ezri Konsa (front) vies with Everton's Brazilian striker Richarlison during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Aston Villa at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on July 16, 2020. (Photo by Dave Thompson / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Everton have given a welcome update on Abdoulaye Doucoure as the Toffees prepare to face Aston Villa tomorrow evening in another massive match.

Doucoure has been out since the win against West Brom last month and his loss has been felt very keenly as Everton have slumped in form recently drawing three consecutive games before securing all the points with a large slice of luck at Arsenal.

The Frenchman’s athleticism, drive and energy has been sorely missed although fortunately his Brazilian partner in centre midfield Allan has returned for the past few matches.

Without Doucoure and Allan the Blues midfield returned to the kind of weak and porous midfield that we had seen far too often in recent seasons.

Hopefully Doucoure can return before the season ends and help push the Toffees towards that still elusive European qualification.

While it’s obvously great to see a player who has arguably been the team’s best this season, there is still a question about whether Everton need another similar type of player especially with renewed doubts about Jean-Philippe Gbamin.

As for tomorrow’s match the Blues once again really need three points to keep their hopes of European football next season alive.

There are no other new injury problems ahead of tomorrow’s match and so Ancelotti has a virtually full-strength squad to choose from.

Again we don’t know exactly what sort of team he will pick but I would bet on one similar to the one that lined up against Arsenal.

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As for Villa they have little to play for now having obviously secured Premier League status again and having no hope of Europe either.

They have had an ultimately frustrating season which after a great start that saw them thrash Liverpool 7-2 and briefly sit on top of the Premier League – just like Everton did – they have since declined to what looks like a mid-table finish.

Villa’s best performer is of course their England forward Jack Grealish a genuinly world-class footballer whose creative ability is among the bes tin the league.

He’s been injured recently and Villa have certainly missed his influence, it’s also far from certain they will be able to keep him in the summer as the usual clubs circle.

Another three points is important for Everton to build successfully on that win at the Emirates and keep their European ambitioons on track.