Since Carlo Ancelotti took charge of Everton they have been flying, losing just once in the league and only Liverpool have collected more points since December.
Though for the entirety of his brief tenure so far, the three-time Champions League-winning manager has been without one of the Toffees’ standout performers from their dismal start to the campaign. However, that is set to change as 105 days after horrifically suffering a fractured dislocation to his ankle, Portuguese midfield ace Andre Gomes is set to return for Everton in a behind closed doors friendly.
Should the 26-year-old make it through the practice match for squad players unscathed, he could be in contention to line up against Arsenal when Everton visit the Emirates Stadium on the 23rd of this month. Manager Ancelotti outlined Gomes’ importance to the side, saying: “It is really important for Andre to be progressing because, first of all, he is a player with fantastic quality. He has experience and has played for fantastic teams like Valencia and Barcelona.”
Prior to his injury Gomes was one of Everton’s leading contributors in possession, averaging 41.5 passes per match, with an 83.4 per cent accuracy, highlighting what a central figure he had become in midfield. He is also adept at playing long passes, recording an average of 3.6 per match this term and could be an important figure in generating counter-attacking opportunities for the Toffees.
Summer addition Jean-Philippe Gbamin has also spent much of the season out injured, missing 26 matches and featuring in just two Premier League games. With an increased number of options in midfield, Gomes’ return could have significant implications on Everton’s bid to return to Europe for the first times since 2017/18, when they exited the Europa League at the group stage. Currently, Ancelotti’s side sit eighth in the Premier League table, though they trail Sheffield United in fifth by just three points and are only six points behind the Champions League places.
The remarkable progress made by Gomes during his recovery is the latest piece of good news at Goodison Park as their Italian boss sets about transforming the atmosphere surrounding the club. His timely comeback could be the boost the Toffees require to secure their spot in Europe next term.
