Roy Hodgson explains Cheick Doucoure’s starting line-up absence in Crystal Palace’s defeat vs Everton

Roy Hodgson has explained why Cheick Doucoure started on the bench in Crystal Palace’s 3-2 defeat at home to Everton on Saturday afternoon.

The 23-year-old, who has made 10 starts in the Premier League for Hodgson this season, came off after 60 minutes against Burnley in their last outing.

Doucoure was named on the bench with Eberechi Eze coming into the side, playing ahead of Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma.

When asked whether the hamstring injury was the reason for Doucoure dropping out, Hodgson said: “Partly that and partly because Will Hughes did so well against Burnley.

“There was no reason to take him or Jefferson Lerma out of the team – they didn’t particularly deserve that.

“Eze coming back in meant someone had to make way. I could have taken Will Hughes and Lerma out or I could have left Doucoure, who is now going off anyway with Mali to play games.

“He’s been cleared from the injury but he was only cleared on Friday.

“Between Monday and Friday, we didn’t see him. They only gave him a clearance on Friday to play this game today.

“It was an easy decision to start him from the bench rather than play him for 90 minutes in the game.”