Four observations from Everton training footage - as 18-year-old joins session ahead of Man City

Everton have released training footage ahead of their clash against Manchester City at Goodison Park tomorrow (17.30).

Here are the four main observations we made as Frank Lampard prepare for the visit of the Premier League leaders.

Doucoure dilemma

Judging by Lampard's pre-match press conference comments, he may be cautious with Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The all-action midfield has been absent for the past four games and Everton don't want to risk him breaking down again.

But Doucoure looks well over his groin injury - if training footage is anything to go by.

The Frenchman was as sharp as any of his team-mates during a possession-based drill.

There were a few crisp, incisive passes from Doucoure - which he's not exactly renowned for.

He also rolled Alex Iwobi under pressure with the utmost ease, as well as showing quick feet to get a pass off when being closed down by Jarrad Branthwaite.

Lampard will be thinking long-term when it comes to Doucoure. He’s regarded as one of the best midfielders of his ilk in the Premier League by the Everton boss.

But if Doucoure’s hit high standards throughout the week, Lampard could have a dilemma on his hands.

Making God strides

Everton will again be without Ben Godfrey against City.

The centre-back was always expected to be out for a sustained period when he left Goodison on crutches following the 4-1 FA Cup defeat of Brentford.

But, as Lampard as suggested, Godfrey's making fine progress from his hamstring problem.

The England international is only doing light recovery work. But being out on the grass and with the ball at his feet is significant headway in terms of his recovery and for his mentality.

Godfrey's movement did not appear to be hampered in the slightest during a short one-to-one passing drill, which ended with finishing into an empty net.

Lampard will be hopeful he can get the Norwich defender back on schedule.

Rampant Richarlison

Richarlison would have been frustrated following last weekend’s 2-0 loss at Southampton.

The Brazil international was well below his best and was starved of service for the majority.

With just five goals to his name all season, Richarlison won't be happy with that tally. Not one bit.

He will be desperate for goalscoring chances to fall his way against City. If one does, it's crucial he snaffles it home.

There's obviously no pressure to put the ball in the back of the net in training.

However, Richarlison did display composure during finishing practice and in training games.

One dinked effort over the keeper was the highlight and a slew of shots that went in.

If that deadly against Pep Guardiola’s men, it’ll give Everton a good chance of yielding a result.

Welch involved

Lampard has forged a reputation for developing fledgling talent during the infancy of his managerial career.

Mason Mount and Reece James are the pair who spring to mind when it comes to youngsters he’s handed a chance.

Lewis Dobbin and Jarrad Branthwaite are the pair Everton fans are excited most about at Goodison. There are high hopes.

And 18-year-old Reece Welch may have caught Lampard’s eye during his opening month in the hot seat.

The 6ft 4inch defender has been a regular for the under-23s this season, scoring one goal in 23 outings. He is also an England under-19 international.

Welch, who signed professional terms in September 2020, will relish every moment working with the first team. He will be soaking up the knowledge Lampard and his staff impart.

It might be too early for Welch to be on the bench any time soon, but it bodes well for the future.