Only Gueye. Doucoure won't go he said...
Everton handed 'Significant Boost' as Abdoulaye Doucoure set to miss AFCON
Everton have been handed a “significant boost” ahead of January after it emerged Abdoulaye Doucoure is unlikely to go to AFCON with Mali, according to Liverpool Echo.
The Toffees midfielder is a key player for Sean Dyche and is currently the team’s top scorer since the manager arrived at the club at the start of 2023, replacing Frank Lampard who had sidelined him.
And now
Doucoure is set to sign a new contract at Goodison Park to extend his stay at the club, and should be available in early 2024 as it looks “increasingly likely” that he will stay at Finch Farm instead of heading to the African Cup of Nations with his national team.
“In a further boost to
Blues boss Sean Dyche the chances of the midfielder remaining with the club during the Africa Cup of Nations are looking increasingly likely,” they wrote (27 October).
“Doucoure has not represented Mali in recent internationals and, while no concrete decision has been made and the door remains open for a return, it currently looks like he will stay at Finch Farm.
“Should he do so, it would be a significant boost to Dyche. With Idrissa Gueye a potential departure from Merseyside to represent Senegal, the prospect of losing two of his favoured central midfield three for several games would have been of concern.”