Abdoulaye Doucoure will not be reunited with Watford this weekend at Everton, with the midfielder set for a lengthy spell on the touchlines.

The player, who made 141 appearances in all competitions for the Hornets, is to undergo surgery for a damaged metatarsal.

Doucoure was sold to the Toffees after Watford were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the 2019/20 season.

Following the arrival of Rafa Benitez, the Frenchman has made himself an important member of the squad, scoring two goals and four assists in eight Premier League games so far.

His injury adds to a growing list of problems for Everton, with both Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph also ruled out.