Rafa Benitez has confirmed Richarlison is in contention to start Monday’s Premier League clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers (8pm BST) – and revealed encouraging news about Abdoulaye Doucoure’s recovery from a foot injury.

Richarlison made a goalscoring return as a substitute in last weekend’s home game against Watford. 

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Benitez explained Richarlison is “not 100-per-cent fit yet” but could be ready to be named in his starting XI at Molineux, with the Blues having two further days to prepare for the game.

Doucoure will be unavailable for Monday’s match but Benitez said the influential midfielder could return after the international break, which follows the Blues’ game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 7 November.

Fabian Delph is training with the team again following a shoulder injury, while Yerry Mina is not expected to play against Wolves.

Benitez did not give specific fitness updates on Dominic Calvert-Lewin (quadriceps) and Andre Gomes (calf).

Richarlison played the final 30 minutes of last weekend’s meeting with Watford, having been sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the 3-1 home win over Burnley on 13 September.

When asked about the attacker's fitness levels ahead of Monday’s match, Benitez explained: “He is getting better. He has been training well during the week. 

“Still, we have a couple of training sessions, and we will see how much he can improve. In terms of the mentality, yes [he is ready]. In terms of his fitness, it will not be 100 per cent but it is getting better. 

“I have confidence he maybe can start and confidence, for sure, he can give us something.”

On what qualities Richarlison offers Everton, Benitez added: “If you think of the top scorers [for Everton] last year, he is one of them. He is someone who can play well and has the ability to beat players and score goals. 

“When you have a player that has been doing so well last year and is a key player for you, it can be a big boost if he is coming back and scoring goals like the other day [against Watford].”

It was revealed last week midfielder Doucoure suffered a stress response in a bone in his foot during Everton’s home game against West Ham United on 17 October.

Benitez revealed the Frenchman is “progressing well” in his recovery and could be available to make his comeback in the Blues’ first match after the international break, which is against Manchester City on Sunday 21 November.

“Doucoure was doing really well in the middle of the pitch, so to lose him for these games would be important for any team,” he explained. 

“Even the top sides, if you lose key players, you suffer a little bit. 

“Doucoure is getting better. It seems he is progressing well. 

“I cannot say how long exactly [he will be out]. It will be at least a couple of weeks. With the international break, hopefully after that he will be fine. 

“Yes, it is a big miss for us, but at the same time it is an opportunity for other players to show their level.”

On whether Everton could welcome any other players back from injury for the Wolves game, Benitez said: “We still have two training sessions, so some of them are nearly coming back, but I think it is too early to say who will be there. 

“We are waiting for some medical assessments and after we will see if someone else can come back.”