Many Everton fans have been reacting on social media after Carlo Ancelotti teased at Andre Gomes being fit to face Arsenal in Sunday’s Premier League clash.
Gomes has been on the sidelines since November’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, having sustained a fracture dislocation to his right ankle during the closing stages that required surgery.
Ancelotti is yet to call on the 26-year-old as a result of the blow, given the Italian succeeded Marco Silva at Goodison Park a month after Gomes’ season was feared to be over.
Gomes could make a shock comeback at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, though, as the boss is confident he is in a position to feature after playing a 60-minute behind-closed-doors friendly at Finch Farm last Sunday.
“He did well [in the practice match], he played comfortably and without any problems and he is available, in my opinion, to play,” Ancelotti told EvertonTV.
“Of course, I have to speak to him about how he feels after playing his first game following a long time out. My personal opinion is he is ready to play.
“When a player has been out for a long period, I think it is better to start the game. He can prepare properly, [rather] than to put him on from the bench. But I have to speak to him and together we can find a solution.”
Should Gomes feature vs Arsenal on Sunday?
Yes, should start him
Yes, from the bench
No, he isn't ready
Gomes has missed our last 15 Premier League fixtures as a result of his injury, but his performances before the blow were at such a level that his TransferMarkt valuation still exceeds the £22million paid to FC Barcelona for his signature last summer.
The respected website consider Gomes to be worth £25.2m, having decided against lowering his market value when re-evaluating their figures in December.
Gomes had produced two shots, six key passes, eight successful tackles (27%), two interceptions, eight blocks and made 11 successful dribbles (64%) during his eight Premier League outings this term, per WhoScored data.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Ancelotti discussing Gomes’ availability for Sunday’s trip to Arsenal…
As much as I want to see him play this weekend, I would rest him another week then bring him on at Goodison so he gets the full welcome back
— Charlie Heyes (@heyeschaz) February 18, 2020
Love to hear it 🇮🇹🇵🇹🔵
— Harry (@Harry64796063) February 18, 2020
Please take it easy, don’t want him injured again
— Nathan kerr (@nathankerr14) February 18, 2020
Oh you little tease
— Adam (@adxmEFC) February 18, 2020
If he says he is ready and he is medically signed off on it, i see no issue. He won’t get fitter/stronger watching from the sidelines.
— Matt ♿️ (@Matt_S_1982) February 18, 2020
Gomes is gonna be such a baller under Ancelotti
— Cole (@NSNOcole) February 19, 2020
God I love Carlo
— Sharpy (@j0sharp) February 19, 2020
🙏Only if he is 200%ready please.
— 💙Anne Celotti Williams 💙 (@annewillia) February 18, 2020
Definitely rather be cautious than put him in and risk it but…..I trust our team to make the right decision 💙💙🤞🤞
— Paul Hutchinson (@nilsatispjh) February 19, 2020
In other Everton news, the club are continuing to scout one of Carlo Ancelotti’s January transfer targets.