Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure 'to reject Mali Africa Cup of Nations call-up'

Doucoure has become a staple in Sean Dyche's Everton side since the ex-Burnley manager took over earlier this year, starting every Premier League game so far this season.

The efforts of the midfielder has seen him rewarded with two contract extensions during Dyche's short reign at the club so far too.

The 30-year-old had a one-year extension in his deal activated in May, shortly before he scored the only goal in a crucial 1-0 home win over Bournemouth which kept Everton in the Premier League on the final day.

Doucoure was awarded another new deal late last month, signing on with the Toffees until the summer of 2025, while also receiving a pay increase.

After losing Alex Iwobi late in the transfer window though, Everton's options in the centre of the pitch could appear stretched with one or two injuries.

Everton did not bring in a replacement for the Fulham-bound Iwobi, and Amadou Onana's absence with injury for the weekend draw with Brighton & Hove Albion meant Dyche was unable to name a recognised midfielder on the bench.

That meant Dyche could have been faced with a potentially serious dilemma come January when AFCON gets underway, with both Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye internationals with African countries.

However, Doucoure has gone on the record to state that he will reject a call-up from Mali boss Eric Chelle, having not played for the nation since their World Cup playoff defeat to Tunisia 18 months ago.

Speaking to The Athletic, Doucoure admitted: "I don't think I'm going to make the Africa Nations Cup, I think I'm going to stay here in an Everton shirt. I don't want to go. It's not a big decision because I only went one time with Mali.

"I want to focus on my career and on the club. I have all the respect for my country, but I'm going to stay here." Doucoure added.

Doucoure was born in France and represented them at Under-21 level, and rejected offers from Mali in the past as he had hopes of featuring for Les Bleus at senior level.

However, in 2022, with Mali just a win in a two-legged playoff with Tunisia away from reaching the World Cup, the FA persuaded Doucoure to switch allegiances.

The midfielder appeared in both legs, but since missing out on a place in Qatar, Doucoure has not returned to the fold since.

At 34, fellow midfielder Gueye remains a regular in the Senegal squad though, and he is set to jet off with the Lions of Teranga for the finals in Ivory Coast which get underway on January 13.

Gueye was the player drafted into Everton's starting XI to replace the injured Onana, so with no cover, Everton may need to dip into the transfer market early in January in order to sort out that problem before it arises.

Fitness and financial concerns around Andre Gomes and Dele Alli mean it is unlikely either of the pair will feature in the first team, leaving Onana, Doucoure and James Garner as the club's only senior options in central midfield.