Everton boss Dyche hoping Doucoure not facing extended absence

Everton boss Sean Dyche is hopeful of Abdoulaye Doucoure being fit to play next week.

The midfielder, however, won't make tonight's clash with Manchester City.

Dyche said: No, I don't think for City, that is a bit close. He is making good progress and we are hoping he gets back on the grass over the next few days - not straight away with us, just to ease his return to fitness.

"[Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman] have probably got more of a chance of being around the squad but we are going to have to be careful because we keep getting players back fit and then we start running out again. And Idrissa [Gueye] has got an injury and it doesn't look that promising on the first showing. We will find out more tomorrow and over the next couple of days.

"We are trying to balance the games programme against the squad against the injuries and the risk and reward of players coming in. Even with Andre [Gomes], it wasn't ideal for him to go on so early in the game. I thought he handled it very well physically but I had plans on maybe putting him into the game later but needs must at the moment."