Sean Dyche has been speaking ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa
Sean Dyche has described Dwight McNeil as a doubt for Everton’s game against Aston Villa – but believes his winger has been ‘very lucky’ to avoid a serious injury.
McNeil went down while defending a corner in the later stages of his side’s 0-0 FA Cup draw with Crystal Palace last time out. The winger’s ankle appeared to get caught under a team-mate’s leg.
The former Burnley man appeared immediately in discomfort, covering his face with his shirt before being treated by Everton team doctors behind the goal and was eventually carried off on a stretcher.
Speaking after the game, Dyche said he hoped the injury was not a serious one, and although it could be enough to keep him out of Sunday’s game against Unai Emery’s side, the Everton boss is hopeful the 24-year-old could be in contention for the replay against Palace.
He said: “[The injury] has settled really quickly, and he’s been very lucky. Sometimes them injuries they can fool you.
“It looked a nasty one, and it felt nasty at the time, but it has settled quick. This one, touch and go; doubt he will make this one, but the next one, he has got a chance.
“He’s been very lucky, I think, because it did look an awkward one. Obviously, when people go off on a stretcher, it looks alarming.
“But it turned out it was that moment of truth when he realised it was better than he thought, which is great news.”
Dyche also confirmed that Abdoulaye Doucoure is back in contention for this weekend’s game against Aston Villa, while Ashley Young is back on the grass.
Doucoure, who signed a contract extension with the club back in November, has missed his side’s last five games due to a hamstring injury.
