Doucouré facing spell out with a fractured foot

This weekend we were missing arguably 3 of our 5 best players. Doucoure would make it 4.

Will need one of Davies or Gbamin maybe to really step it up if true.

Benitez's management skills will be tested to the limit in the coming weeks and months, it always seems to me that we often look forward to getting the best first eleven out on the pitch but as soon as one appears to be coming back, we lose another key player. It's hard enough with what we have available when all are fit, having to keep reshuffling due to injuries is soul-destroying.

It feels like we're constantly treading water or walking through treacle, we never seem to advance or progress on the pitch.
The transfer dealings and managerial fuckups over the last few years since Moshiri has come in are lamentable.

Lucky for Moshiri the owner can't be sacked.

Doucoure has been our best player this season and is a huge hole to fill. Davies will come in l suppose. Gbamin can't be ready and Gomes/Delph injured, for no idea how long. As remains the case, when fit we have a good 1st 11... then we have nothing but making do.

Another forgetful season on the cards unless the January window helps a recovery but will they shell out.

Let's face it. Gbamin is not an option which leaves Tom Davies.

Who knows where Andre Gomes is. Quite frankly, I don't rate him anyway.

A dark few months ahead I suspect. Newcastle and their new found wealth will be looking to pluck top players where they can from the clubs in and around them. Richarlison will be near the top of their list I'd imagine.

Also, another wonderful example of openness and transparency from the club... not! I know I should accept that this is how they deal with bad news... by not dealing with it and thus encouraging the whispered ITK rumour mill to go into overdrive.

Hard to comment on Gbamin as we've never seen him play. Maybe now is the time. If he breaks down again, we just have to accept he's never going to be able to do it.

If true, then let's face it there's not a lot we can do about it. I do worry that's quite a few goals and assists and not to mention, energy, that is going to be missing for a while.

It's odd how your personal perspective changes so very quickly. I'm travelling over from oz for xmas and NY and hoping to get tickets for the two home games around NY. When I booked the flights and checked the fixutes, I thought Newcastle and Brighton were very winnable games and we might get to see a rare victory on a visit home for a change (I have a bad record as a traveller!) and we'd be in the hunt for top 6. Fast forward a few weeks and after last weekend's defeat and this news about Ducs, makes me wonder if we'll be looking over our shoulder by then rather than top 6!

Onwards and (hopefully) upwards! UTFT!!

With Keane dragging the defensive line back, Allan and Doucoure were already asked to cover too much ground. Davies and Gomes just don't have the engine or mobility.

Very difficult for Benitez to resolve this with the players available.

This is why it's so difficult to finish higher than about 8th.

I said about Dominic Calvert-Lewin that it was admirable that he wanted to continue playing whilst suffering from a toe injury, earlier in the season, but I would be loathed to pick players who aren't fully fit and particularly if they are carrying an injury.

I'd much prefer injured players to miss a few games and recuperate properly, rather than miss a raft of games because of medical ineptitude or management forcing injured players to play through the pain barrier.

Perhaps, it's just at Everton that this 'bad luck' strikes so often, or could it be the bad practices at the club that causes the 'bad luck' we'll never really know for sure.

Never thought I would be saying this but we probably need Gomes back as he is probably as close to a like for like replacement that we have. Anyone heard how long he is out for?

Really feel for Rafa. With the exception of saddling us with Rondon he's done brilliantly, but this will have even an experienced manager like him scratching his head.

That's better news than first reported by the Echo, it's still a loss to the team but hopefully not as long-term as first feared. I do wish the Echo, the only local newspaper outlet for Evertonians would be more circumspect in their reporting and would at least get the correct facts before making sensational claims. They have at least amended their initial story.

So for me it's another chance for Davies… either that or a change in formation (possibly 4-3-3). Huge blow for Doucouré and it seems very doubtful he will kick a ball before the Xmas run of games.

On a serious note, I hope it's the better news. Either way, we need to plug the gap for the next few weeks, but let's hope the later reporting that he doesn't need an operation is true. Davies seems the most likely option, but maybe an opportunity for one of the young lads we've been talking about. Or Gbamin? Just wrap him in cotton wool or a Michelin Man suit.

A middle of Allan, and Gbamin or Davies and Gomes fills me with dread.

So effectively from this time last season we are Sigurdsson, James and Doucoure down now.

Things are gonna start getting a lot harder.

No doubt Tom Davies will be first in line to cover but that's not really a straight swap tactically. We really can't afford to lose anybody else as we have some tough games coming up very soon.

Why is Delph's name mentioned, Doucoure will probably be back before him.

Rafa says Iwobi will get better, well he can't get any worse?

Zimmer and guitar in hand, he could perform better than some of those gangsters did.

All these foot and toe injuries, because they are wearing modified ballet shoes with studs... it's Premier League football – not Swan Lake! :-)

I think Holgate, has played midfield before and done okay, so it wouldn't surprise me to see either him or Godfrey play in this position soon, the way things are going.

I totally agree with you that despite Benitez claiming Iwobi will get better as you say he could hardly get worse. I realize that managers will always try and lift a player who is going through a bad time, but this is a player who hasnt performed under any of his managers here.

I commented that the atmosphere inside Goodison on Sunday was very quiet, don't know if was the early kick off or the poor start we made to the game. But with news of Doucoures injury I can understand there being an apprehension prior to the game, but lets hope we start brightly and everyone gets behind the team. I just hope we start with Gordon in place of Iwobi as I think most fans have lost patience with Iwobi.

So, malingering, then.

Back in the 70's it was 6 weeks in a boot and then 3 to 4 weeks training and recovery but with the wonders of modern science I would expect him to be back in contention in 6 to 7 weeks. Still a huge blow because for me this guy has been the engine room of our success and it will also leave the foot weak and prone to repeats

. It is a major blow with a couple of winnable games coming up but that is what squads are for. Gbamin to step up for me and show what we paid all that money for.

I suppose it gives another player a real chance to shine in the middle of the park...but who?.

Radio City are saying he wont need surgery and he wont be out for as long as first thought, so hopefully weeks rather than months. Mind if he has damaged one of his metatarsal bones they just tend to put you in a boot to help take the pressure off the foot rather than operate. Didnt Tim Cahill have a broken metatarsal when he played for us.

The prospect of Godfrey or Holgate there who are both shite with the possession of the football is the last act of desperation, but desperate times it is, other than that all we have is the Glassmen Delph and Gbamin or fairy liquid performers like Davies or Gomes.

There's a lot of pressure now on our two wide boys to keep up their scoring exploits.

First word on this seems to have come from Paul Joyce at 11:20, who tweeted this:

"Everton concerned Abdoulaye Doucoure is facing lengthy time out with broken foot. "

That was picked up pretty quickly by the Echo and I think everyone has batted it around, with the club not stepping up until much later (13:04), and feeling the need to deny the operation line.

Interesting that it was an hour earlier than Paul Joyce when Tony first posted on here his fears of "very bad news about another one of our very key players being injured". If it was known within the club then, why do they leave it to fester in the rampant rumour mill for 3 hours before saying something?

And when they do, it's all to play down how bad this is... "stress response" – what the fuck is that? They can't even call it what it is.

I heard that Iwobi took this advice the wrong way, by going straight on the defensive, possibly meaning its something that has probably been mentioned many times previously, especially when you hear many of his teammates saying how good he can be in training.

Unfortunately the squad is very mediocre and it's unlikely results will be more than that until players return to fitness.

Obviously, every snippet of news can't be controlled, but surely Everton should be more pro-active in giving the fans accurate information on major news stories as soon as it can.

The statement the club have made doesn't completely rule out the possibility of Doucoure requiring surgery in the near future, if the medical team make that judgment call, and thus the rumour mill will continue to grind on in the coming weeks.

On the "Stress Response" this below from Dr Google:

A Stress Response Injury is the prelude to a Stress Fracture. No fracture is present but there may be local swelling, pain and tenderness to touch on the bone. Often the bone is painful on exercise but eases once activity stops. If this situation continues to occur, it will lead to a Stress Fracture.

Has the dreaded "Everton October" kicked in? Or Everton Autumn?

It may come in different guises and be caused by different factors each season, but always seems to be there. A bit like El Nino. You are aware of it but can't prevent it.

Right, that's off the chest. 3 - 0 win Saturday. I'm supposed to out for a meal tonight and not mentioning Everton. The dogs have a long afternoon ahead of them.

“Been told it's a stress fracture and not complete foot fracture. He's expected to be back in 6/7 weeks.”

The tweet was from a couple of hours ago, so it might prove to be incorrect now, however, Romano isn't given to making too many errors with his football information.

Six to seven weeks is still a long amount of time for the team to be without Doucouré.

If Gbamin doesn't get a chance now, then he surely never will.

Thanks for the edumaction, Brian, I obviously needed it. Never heard of such a thing. But then I'm a bit of a wimp and usually stop at the first sight of any pain.

Playing Iwobi and Rondon is putting unnecessary pressure on the other players increasing their workloads so Benitez is culpable and must take some responsibility for the predicament we're in.

Will Gomes and Delph be fit in the next few weeks? We need them. For all the injured and those given away for nothing, this was coming.

Again, being serious, I think the way the game and sport in general has developed, at the elite levels, you just can't get away with playing with injuries in a way we used to see only 20 years ago. Small margins and fitness levels can make a huge difference now more than they did in the past.

I see the myth of Holgate being an option to play defensive midfield has got an airing again, as if he has made multiple appearances there. He hasn't.

His Everton career in that position consists of 20 minutes v Watford in the memorable last minute 3-2 win after trailing 0-2, moved into that position from centre back after Delph got sent off on 70 minutes.

He played 90 minutes as a defensive mid in the 1-1 draw v United under Duncan Ferguson when the squad was seriously undermined by injuries.

He played 90 minutes there for the same reason as above, in the next game in the League Cup quarter final loss v Leicester. He completely lost Maddison on their opening goal.

That's it.

Similar to Ben Godfrey. He at least has played the position, but mostly on loan at League One Shrewsbury. A handful of times for Norwich, but only at Championship level.

It may be a case of 'needs must', but actual midfielders in the squad should get the nod ahead of either.

On Ben Godfrey, worth watching this post-match interview with him from Sunday.

Ben Godfrey on Covid Impacted Season

As suspected by some, Covid has heavily impacted on his performances this season.

'It was like I was playing in someone else's body. Five minutes into the game and I found myself blowing hard as if it was 88 minutes.'

He himself is well aware he needs to do better, but hopefully getting game time into his legs is helping.

We are now back to a midfield trio of Allan, Gray and Davies. Gbamin may be an alternative. Holgate would be a better alternative option.

Everton need a return to work and effort to rebound in the next game, no matter what.

Wishing Doucouré a speedy recovery, once they have worked out what the problem is.

Hopefully this works in our favour and young players like Davies, Whittaker and Dobbin get a chance. I remember Davies getting some praise around December last season when he covered for Allan and we won 4 on the bounce.

Yeah, the football was shite, but we might have to accept that for a while if it means keeping us in the hunt for European football.

Lets just beat Watford and see where we are after that.

Doucouré Injury Update

These stories take a life of their own through hearsay and gossip!

Totally agree, and they haven't given us the full extent of Calvert-Lewin's injuries. We were told he'd be back after the International break, and still not ready for next weekend.

The only alternative for Doucouré is Davies, who played as an attacking midfielder a couple of seasons ago, but has been used defensively ever since.

Gbamin has been on the bench with no game time, could he not have got match fit playing for the U23s?

Hopefully Gomes isn't far away, and I'd love to see Gbamin get a few games under his belt. But none of them have got the energy of Doucouré, so it's down to our new manager to earn his wages and hopefully enhance his reputation now.

He's never been allowed a phone, Andrew. Has always had to use a phone box.

For example, if the opposition knew Calvert-Lewin was out for many more weeks than originally slated, then they would just need to prepare for how to deal with Rondon.

And let's face it, that would be a brief training session for them.

Bad news if true, where did you get that information, I've had a quick search and didn't find anything. Unless of course you're referring to Andy Gray?

NB - looks like a possible fake account. Might not be true.

It's a physical game, injuries happen and we have to knuckle down and deal with it. Great chance for the younger lads, especially if Gray is also out.

I am sure Richarlison will be fit against his old team, which will be a huge help.

I'm not sure whether Gbamin will be picked against Watford but hopefully he is, Davies is too little a presence in midfield. Gomes has improved under Rafa so I'd pick him before Davies too.

And a chance to take their chance for the fringe players.

Beat Watford, is the objective.

On Dan Meis and the stadium, I love the first comment in The Echo:

"Bertibassett: Where's the Arteta money?"

There's always one

Carlo famously said he's not a magician, but Benitez may have to be one in the coming weeks.

I expect that, until players return, we will play a low block (can't do much else with Keane in the team), fill midfield with whoever is fit and available, have Rondon as an outlet, and rely on speedy counter-attacks.

Doucouré's fracture is in the nature of a partial crack rather than a complete displacement, so there would be no need for surgery. Rest in a walking brace and gentle exercises are the treatment. Ultrasonic stimulation can make fractures heal quicker, but I don't know if the club are doing that.

One of the most promising players this season for me (alongside Gray and Townsend) – huge miss and not one that's easy to replace. Need to get Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison back at it ASAP!

In fact his preferred position is as a box-to-box midfielder, which unfortunately has been occupied by Doucouré. This injury will allow Iwobi to play his real favourite position as a Number 8.

It will be great to finally see Iwobi express himself on the pitch in his own position. No more square pegs etc.

Always look on the bright side.

Just checked and yes, Dan technically can in fact play in midfield, in the same way that Iwobi and Delph technically can in fact play in midfield. Doesn't mean Dan will be any good but hey, it never stopped Alex and Fabian.

Yes, he was on the bench for 3 consecutive games - away to Villa and QPR, home to Norwich - but told by Benitez it was for the experience and that he wouldn't be called on to play.

He doesn't feature in the weekly videos of the 1st team training sessions, which suggests he is training alone to be fully fit.

It's a shame for him, the club and the fans that in the current absence of Dom and Richy and the indifferent form of Rondon that Ellis isn't fit to feature after his successful loan spell with Blackpool. All could have learnt a great deal more about his potential to step up to the PL.

I really hope this is not going to prove to be a lost opportunity because his pathway to 1st team football will be all the more difficult once Dom and Richy return.

Timing and opportunity is so critical for players in this age group.

"Why are people calling for Ellis Simms to start when he is still recovering from injury?"

It's the old situation where people take the view that "he can't be worse than. . . " regardless of injuries, fitness, age, experience etc. He certainly showed promise at Blackpool last year, but he doesn't appear match fit, and that's before we can consider his actual playing attributes.

I'm seriously reconsidering whether to put myself through the pain of the derby this season. I might just sit at home and cry instead.

SHIT.

Has anyone seen any of our injured players actually get injured (other than Richarlison)? They seem fine, then 'Oh yes, you won't see him this side of Christmas'.

We've got a cracking first 11, and endless dross under that. So the one thing we didn't want was injuries. And now we have half a side out for weeks and weeks.

This is going to be a right slog.

No more fucking shoe-horning players in positions that are unnatural to them. If not him, then Tom Davies or Anthony Gordon, end of.

Please, for fuck's sake, don't play Iwobi there.

Onyango played only his first U23 game last night after coming back from injury. A good game but came off before the end – he looked worn out.

I suspect the reality is that we'll play a trio of Allan, Davies and Gomes for a few weeks. That is a slow and limited midfield but it's good enough to tide us over - with Iwobi and Gordon in and out of the side also giving us a bit of variety.

The key to us getting any results obviously remains Townsend and Gray. It would be brilliant if Dobbin could get more of a chance too and add his name to that list.

I take the view that we were never going to achieve anything of note this season, but if we can develop a few of Branthwaite, Onyango, Simms, Dobbin and Gordon into genuine first team squad players that will stand us in good stead.

As some have said, it's a chance for Davies to step up and realise his potential. When he broke into the team we hoped he'd be that box-box midfielder so here is his chance.

Some say about using a midfield 3. but we just don't have the personnel, and our counter attacking style added to the plan of early crosses into the box (when DCL is fit) really requires wingers.

But with our paper thin squad, every injury is a massive blow and we're unlucky enough to get them to many a key player.

I've just read it's because of a thigh strain Michael, and wonder if it's the type of injury a player might get, putting more pressure onto his legs, because he's been protecting a broken toe?

Richarlison comes in for... Rondon or Iwobi? Interesting to see what happens.

Heart of a lion. Physical gifts of a bobcat.

The official website is run like a poorly written parish newsletter produced by a drunken priest. They barely update transfers much less “breaking news”

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs Brown, our church warden, to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

Ladies are requested not to have children in the church kitchen.

For those who have children and don't know it, we have a crèche in the crypt.

Bring & share church supper: Prayer and medication will follow.

The organist invites anyone who enjoys sinning to volunteer for the choir.

At the church meeting last week the rector spoke briefly and delighted the audience.

A talk on drugs will be given at the next Mothers' Union meeting. This will be followed by a bring and buy sale.

Don't miss the Young Wives' Victorian Evening next month. It will be a fun night and some of the women will wear clothes.

Haha that video cracked me up. Yep that's definitely the man responsible

I heard it was a quadriceps injury. I just hope it's not similar to Gbamin although Calvert-Lewin has always looked pretty fit and is a good trainer.

Missing him and Calvert-Lewin till near Xmas is gonna really sting. Potentially the difference between mid-table and 6th or 7th. We shall see.

Unfortunately, you heard right about Calvert-Lewin, I do hope his recovery time is not as long as Gbamin's has been. From the Everton Official website:

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury and will remain out for a number of weeks.

The Everton striker has not played since the Blues' Premier League clash at Brighton & Hove Albion on 28 August, when he scored from the penalty spot in a 2-0 victory.

Calvert-Lewin will continue to receive specialist treatment and an update on the England international's fitness will be provided in due course.

No worries… we have Iwobi and Rondon! :-)