Abdoulaye Doucoure drops major Everton injury return hint ahead of Brentford trip

Abdoulaye Doucoure has dropped a major hint he will return to Everton duty this weekend.

And it'll be news Toffees fans relish given the current injury situation at Goodison Park.

Background

Doucoure started the season in remarkable fashion for Rafa Benitez's side.

The midfielder recorded two goals and four assists in nine games for Everton.

However, his absence in the past four games because of a foot injury has been felt.

Rafa Benitez's side have picked up just one point out of a possible 12 and Doucoure's energy and dynamism has been missed.

What's been said

Ahead of last week's 3-0 loss to Manchester City, Benitez admitted he hoped Doucoure would be available for this Sunday's trip to Brentford.

The Frenchman has trained in the build-up to the clash in the capital. Benitez is optimistic Doucoure can feature against the Bees.

And judging by what the former Walford midfielder has posted on Twitter, he will feature in some capacity against Thomas Frank's side.

How much of a boost will it be?

A huge one. Before his setback, it was widely agreed that Doucoure was one of the best performing centre-midfielders in the Premier League this season.

Given Everton's problems in the engine room, his return is even more important.

Allan, who has started every top-flight game this campaign, had to receive treatment this week for a muscle injury and is a doubt.

Meanwhile, Tom Davies (knee) and Andre Gomes are both ruled out of the Brentford encounter.