Everton look set for double midfield boost at Brentford and under-23s match offers striker hint

Everton under-23s fell to a 4-0 loss at Tottenham on Friday evening.

And the young Blues' team offered a big hint towards who'll be involved in Rafa Benitez's squad for Sunday's trip to Brentford.

Midfield boost

There are well-documented injury problems at Goodison Park, with central midfield an area of concern.

Tom Davies is set to be absent once again with a knee problem, while Andre Gomez remains sidelined with a calf issue.

However, it appears that Everton will be boosted by the return of Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The Frenchman started the season in barnstorming style. He recorded two goals and four assists in nine games but has missed the past four matches with a foot injury.

Benitez was hopeful Doucoure would be available for the visit to Brentford, though.

And the fact that Tyler Onyango played for the under-23s indicates Doucoure should be travelling to the capital.

Onyango is highly rated at Everton and has caught the eye in training after recovering from a long-term ankle injury.

The 18-year-old was handed a Premier League debut in the closing stages of last week's 3-0 loss at Manchester City.

However, the fact he played 90 minutes against Spurs seemingly shows he won't be needed against the Bees.

It also highlights that Allan should be involved. The Brazilian picked up a muscle injury in training this week but Benitez wasn't too concern when speaking in his pre-match press conference.

Given Onyango's under-23s outing, Everton appear to have Doucoure, Allan, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin as midfield options.

Striker selection

Benitez also has some concerns up front for the Brentford clash.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still absent with a quad problem, although he has returned to light training.

Meanwhile, Richarlison is forced to serve a one-match ban after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season at City.

In terms of senior striking options, Everton have Salomon Rondon and Cenk Tosun.

The former has had an underwhelming start to life of Merseyside, having failed to score in nine appearances.

Rondon is player that Benitez has plenty of trust in, though, having previously worked together at Newcastle and Chinese outfit Dalian.

The Venezuela international is the most likely to spearhead the attack

Youngsters Ellis Simms and Lewis Dobbin also look like they'll be involved in some capacity.

Both played for the under-23s in a 2-1 win over Brighton on Monday night at Goodison Park.

Yet they did not feature against Spurs, implying they're required at the Brentford Community Stadium.

Simms scored 10 goals on loan at Blackpool during the second half of last season and awaits his Everton debut.

Dobbin - who netted in the Brighton win - has come off the bench twice for Benitez's side this term.