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 resulted in Dyche being unable to name a recognised midfielder on the bench.
That meant that 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
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