Newcastle will face a weakened Everton side in two weeks’ time as key player Abdoulaye Doucoure has just been ruled out of the game with a groin injury.
This can only boost our hopes of a win ahead of the relegation six-pointer clash at St James’ Park, with us able to move within a single point of the Toffees should we come away victorious.
News of another injury caps of a calamitous week at Everton, as they’re not only manager-less and seemingly reluctant to make any signings as a result, but had fans protesting outside Goodison Park last night – and some calling for Vítor Pereira to be sacked before he’s even been appointed!
Doucoure limped off in their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend and will remain sidelined for a ‘minimum of four weeks, according to The Mail.
Everton’s engine room will be considerably weaker without their midfield enforcer. It’s quite telling that they haven’t won all season when he’s been missing and have managed just one victory in their last 11 games without him – being hammered 5-2 by Watford in one of those.
His possible replacement, Fabian Delph, has also been ruled out as he injured his thigh while training, while their ongoing search for Rafa Benitez’s replacement has only riled up Everton fans even further.
As for Newcastle, we are looking to strengthen our own midfield in time for the game against the Blues, with Lyon’s Bruno Guimaraes understood to be close to joining for £30million.
Let’s hope the 24-year-old comes through tonight’s game with Ecuador and completes his medical in Brazil, as scheduled, tomorrow!
