Explanation provided for Abdoulaye Doucoure’s absence for Everton vs Chelsea

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has provided an explanation for the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure from his matchday squad to take on Chelsea.

Jorginho seals it

One of two Premier League fixtures on Monday night played out in west London a short time ago.

Ahead of West Ham and Leeds facing off, Chelsea welcomed Everton to Stamford Bridge, for a crucial clash in the race for European football.

It was the hosts who boasted the advantage ahead of kick-off, sitting 4th, a point clear of Ancelotti’s Toffees.

And, when all was said and done in the capital, Chelsea only extended their lead over the chasing pack.

A fine display on both sides of the ball eventually saw the Blues emerge on the right side of a 2-0 scoreline, courtesy of a deflected Kai Havertz effort, and Jorginho’s 2nd-half penalty:

A clever little flick from Kai Havertz, after a lovely bit of build-up play from Chelsea! 👌 pic.twitter.com/6gZAuY0aFF

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 8, 2021

Doucoure sidelined

Whilst, for Chelsea, tonight’s result marks a potentially crucial step towards securing a Champions League berth, Everton, on the other hand, will need to quickly regather themselves, on the back of an altogether disappointing display.

Next up for the Merseysiders is a Premier League meeting with Burnley on Saturday, before playing host to rampant Manchester City in the FA Cup’s quarter-finals.

Ancelotti and co., however, look set to be forced to see out their immediate fixture list without the services of a key contributor.

The player in question? Abdoulaye Doucoure.

French midfielder Doucoure was a surprise absentee from the visitors’ squad at Stamford Bridge this evening, as the recently returned Allan and Andre Gomes took their spots at the base of Everton’s midfield.

In turn, speaking during his post-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti was inevitably drawn on Doucoure’s whereabouts.

And the Italian went on to confirm that the former Watford man has picked up an injury, which looks likely to rule out him out for at least a couple of games:

‘Adoulaye Doucouré had an injury in the last game and we are going to check. I think he will miss some games.’

Ancelotti added that the issue is ‘quite an important injury’.

🤕 | “Adoulaye Doucouré had an injury in the last game and we are going to check. I think he will miss some games.”@MrAncelotti on the absence of @abdoudoucoure16 tonight. #CHEEVE

— Everton (@Everton) March 8, 2021

Chelsea planning to offer Andreas Christensen a new contract

West Ham United vs Leeds United live streaming: Watch Premier League online

Source: 101greatgoals.com