Everton’s Doucoure and Delph ruled out for up to a month

Doucoure was forced off with a groin issue 65 minutes into last week’s defeat to Aston Villa.

Everton will be without Abdoulaye Doucoure and Fabian Delph for at least a month through injury.

The managerless Toffees sit 16th in the Premier League following Saturday’s 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa.

Doucoure was forced off with a groin issue 65 minutes into that defeat, and Everton has now confirmed he is “expected to be out for a minimum of four weeks”.

The club has put the exact timeline on fellow midfielder Delph’s recovery.

Everton said that the 32-year-old “sustained a thigh injury during a training session this week and is now undergoing treatment with the club’s medical team”.

Meanwhile, teenage forward Lewis Dobbin has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal.

On Monday evening, the 19-year-old academy graduate made his Everton debut in September and scored the under-23s’ winner against Tottenham.

“It’s a huge honour that the club has put their faith in me with this new deal,” the England Under-19 international said.

“I love Everton, and I’ve been here for such a long time now. I’m grateful for the chances. And to all the coaches I’ve had during my time in the academy.

“I’m comfortable in the environment here, and I want to make the people at Everton proud and my family proud.

“I’m going to keep working hard and keep pushing. Hopefully, I can get more opportunities in the first team and score my first goal.”