Everton are a club with so many problems that it is difficult to keep up.
Whether it’s fending off interest in their great players or protecting their position against the Premier League’s tyranny and shamefully imprecise financial rules, fans, players, and coaching staff haven’t had a minute of peace this season.
Sean Dyche recently said that if he had known what was going to happen, he would have taken the position nonetheless. I don’t believe so. When asked if he had any regrets, he replied, “The perfect job is rare.”
Things have probably been as far from perfect as humanly imaginable.
And the newest setback that has plagued him is, strangely, now on the pitch, since his team is currently struggling and their form has dipped.
This is in large part due to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s continued absence.
When will Abdoulaye Doucoure return from injury?
After being taken off in early December as his side cruised to an away win over Burnley in what many thought was a precautionary measure, persistent hamstring strains on both legs have derailed what had been a scorching start to the season.
Despite missing seven of their previous eight games in all competitions, he is still their top goalscorer with six goals.
While Dyche has been evasive about a return date, hamstring problems rarely allow for a quick recovery.
These things require nothing but time to heal, therefore the 31-year-old must wait till his fitness returns.
The most recent update on his prospective return was this: “[Doucoure] is settling in well.” He won’t be returning this week, though.
Who might Everton replace Abdoulaye Doucoure with?
With no funds to replace him on the market, Everton will have to hunt for a solution within the club.
Fortunately, they already have a dynamic and attacking midfield general in James Garner, who may thrive if given a more forward role.
Although the Manchester United academy graduate has impressed this season as part of a holding partnership with Amadou Onana, after being praised for his ‘exceptional’ loan spell by pundit Paul Robinson, it could be argued that his role limits his ability to influence the offensive end of the field.
After all, despite his deeper position, he still averages 1.3 shots and 1.3 important passes per game in the Premier League.
To add such precision to an assault that has been so blunt in recent weeks could be critical, especially given that he also averages 2.6 tackles and five ball recoveries each game.
He could easily fill Doucoure’s spot, at least while he is away, providing far more control and knowledge than shoehorning someone like Jack Harrison into that role.
Although it is a new environment for Garner to shine, it may unlock the 21-year-old’s potential as a creative influencer.
