Andre Gomes made his long-awaited return from injury in Everton’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal (February 23), just three months after he broke and dislocated his ankle.
The 26-year-old suffered the injury in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur (November 3) and was predicted to return in April after undergoing surgery at Aintree Hospital.
He came back two months sooner than anticipated, however, and managed to play competitive football just days after an hour-long behind-closed-doors friendly at USM Finch Farm.
Gomes’ return is remarkable, and he revealed that the key to his recovery was not focusing on a timeline but pushing his body to its limits during rehabilitation.
He told Evertontv: “I did not count the days (I was out) or I’d have been down. But I was missing this and pushed myself to the limit to be back as soon as possible. We did not set a time to be back, so I just tried to push to my limit and I am glad to be here.
“I knew I was confident and wanted to play. The way the team got me involved in the game was really good and from the first minute I came on it was marvellous. It is my first time playing with the manager but we have been working together the past four weeks.
“Everything started during this week on my way back. The feeling was totally different and I was missing this so it was really good to play 30 minutes and be back with the squad. The feeling is everything around it (preparing for a game and playing).
The Portuguese international underwent an individual training schedule at Everton’s training ground and was determined to return before the season came to a close, so he put everything into his rehabilitation.
According to Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo, Gomes is described as a ‘fighter’ and a ‘very good professional’ with a strong mindset, so it’s not a surprise to some that he’s overcome a broken ankle in such little time.
He’s likely to feature in Everton’s next game against Manchester United on Sunday.