Key Everton star ruled out for 10 weeks; update on Rodriguez return

Abdoulaye Doucoure Everton v Rotherham January 2021

Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a fractured bone in his foot while playmaker James Rodriguez will not play again until after the international break.

Doucoure missed Monday’s defeat at Chelsea after coming off in the second half against West Brom just over a week ago and manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he faces a long lay-off.

“Doucoure had a small fracture on his foot. I don’t know how long, maybe eight weeks or 10 weeks. I hope he can recover before the end of the season,” said the Italian.

Rodriguez had been playing less than fully fit but has missed the last three matches as Ancelotti wants him to fully recover from a calf problem which is restricting him.

It means the Colombia international will miss at least Saturday’s visit of Burnley and next weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final at home to Manchester City.

“James played well, really well, against Man United and against Liverpool but he was not 100 per cent fit,” added the Everton manager.

“We decided to give him a proper recovery and don’t let him play at 70 or 80 per cent. We have taken this decision together. The player agrees.”

Everton offer for Rabiot

Everton have made an offer to Serie A side Juventus for midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to a report in Italy.

Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti remains a big fan of the France international after handing him his debut at Paris Saint-Germain.

Rabiot Dybala TEAMtalk

The midfielder was a target for Everton last summer. The Toffees were one of the clubs linked with a move for the 25-year-old.

Manchester United were also thought to be in the frame but he remained in Turin.

France Football claim the Italian tactician has instructed the Goodison Park money men to ready a bid again this summer.

And now Calciomercato report that Everton have made a bid for the player, whose future in Italy is unclear.

READ MORE: Everton lodge offer for midfielder Man Utd, Man City are fighting over