Sean Dyche has confirmed the absence of Abdoulaye Doucoure for Everton when they face Manchester City in their Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

Idrissa Gana Gueye is also doubtful for the game. Doucoure – the Blues’ top scorer this season – is still recovering from a hamstring injury picked up at Burnley earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Gana was substituted during the first half of Everton’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, after the midfielder appeared in discomfort from an early challenge.

Asked about Doucoure’s availability, he responded: “No, I don’t think for City. I think that’s a bit close. He’s making good progress and we’re hoping he gets back on the grass in the next few days – not straight away with us, but just in his return to fitness.

“We have to be careful because we keep getting players back fit, but then we start running out again. Idrissa has got an injury which doesn’t look that promising on the first showing. We’ll find out more in the coming days. We’re trying to balance the games programme against the squad, and against the injuries, and the risk and reward of players coming in.

“Even with Andre [Gomes] it wasn’t ideal for him to come on so early in the game [at Spurs]. I thought he handled it very well physically. I had plans to put him in the game later, but needs must at the moment.”

Everton are enjoying a strong run at Goodison Park, winning their past two Premier League home games in victories over Newcastle United and Chelsea.