Early Everton team news v Crystal Palace: Abdoulaye Doucoure injury update emerges

Everton could be boosted ahead of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace as Abdoulaye Doucoure, Seamus Coleman, Amadou Onana and Ashley Young are all edging closer to full fitness, according to Ben Dinnery.

The injury expert, who has worked with The Athletic, shared via his X account [14 February] that Doucoure is hoping to rejoin the group before Monday 19 February after returning from injury.Coleman, meanwhile, could start after coming off the bench in their last two games, while Young and Onana are edging closer to full fitness following their recent injuries.Arnaut Danjuma and Andre Gomes are expected to be out for slightly longer and therefore should be unavailable for selection against Palace.

Everton boosted by fresh injury updates

The clash against Palace on 19 December could be a crucial one for Everton’s season. Just five points separate the two sides, and Sean Dyche’s men could close that gap to just two with a win.

If they are able to edge closer to their relegation rivals, the outcome of their points-deduction appeal could see Everton given points back, which in turn could see them leapfrog Palace who currently sit 15th in the Premier League.That points deduction verdict could even emerge before the Palace game according to reports, with the outcome said to be expected in the middle of February, although the time it is taking has now come under scrutiny.Doucoure’s return will come as a huge boost for Dyche, as the midfielder is Everton’s top scorer so far this season, and given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s recent struggles, the additional fire-power will be crucial.Players are returning to full fitness just at the right time at Goodison Park as we approach the business end of the season, with every win between now and May vital for their survival.

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