'Massive': Patrick Boyland reacts as Lampard gets another huge Everton boost pre-Southampton

Everton correspondent Patrick Boyland has described an injury update on Abdoulaye Doucoure as ‘massive’ for Frank Lampard.

The 43-year-old was won two and lost one of his three games in charge of the Toffees so far and has been unable to call upon the midfielder as of yet.

The 29-year-old has missed meetings with Brentford, Newcastle and Leeds due to a groin issue he picked up against Aston Villa.

However, it seems as if he is edging closer to a return in what will be a timely boost, especially as Tom Davies recently confirmed on social media that he will be sidelined until next season.

Lampard confirmed prior to Saturday’s clash with Southampton that January signing Vitalii Mykolenko is available for selection.

He then added that Doucoure could return in next weekend’s clash with Manchester City, with Boyland describing that as a ‘massive boost for Everton’.

Doucoure has actually been the club’s third-best player in the Premier League this season, with nobody at Goodison Park registering more assists than the Frenchman. [WhoScored]

He was a regular under Rafael Benitez during a positive start to the season, but the club’s dip in form began when the 29-year-old missed four league fixtures in October and November.

Everton picked up just one point without Doucoure in that run, and when he returns, hopefully the midfielder can replicate his form from the beginning of the season and help the club to pull away from the relegation zone.

In other news: BBC Radio 5 Live pundit claims Everton are now in ‘pole position’ to sign ‘perfect’ player who Lampard loves

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