Many Everton fans have been reacting on social media after the club announced that Andre Gomes had featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly during the winter break.
Gomes has been unable to feature for the first-team since suffering a fracture dislocation to his right ankle that required surgery during November’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, ruling the 26-year-old out of our last 15 Premier League fixtures.
The 29-cap Portugal midfielder had opened seven of his eight top-flight appearances for the season before being forced off in the closing stages against Spurs, in which we had won three and drawn twice to two defeats.
Last summer’s £22million capture may soon be able to make his first outing in Royal Blue under boss Carlo Ancelotti, though, as Gomes played the full 60 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly on Sunday.
The fixture, held at our Finch Farm training facilities, featured first-team and Under 23s players and saw Gomes come through unscathed with no issues reported by the club’s medical staff.
Should Gomes feature at Arsenal on Sunday?
Yes, Ancelotti should start him
Yes, but only from the bench
No, let him build his fitness first
Our points per game average this league season with Gomes starting is 1.57, though has risen to 1.66 in the 25 top-flight fixtures played since the former FC Barcelona man was sidelined.
But despite that, lots of supporters are keen to see Gomes back in action with the senior fold for what would be the first time under Ancelotti.
Here are some of the messages shared following the club’s announcement…
Finally
— Life of Tom 🇪🇺 (@TomBeattie890) February 16, 2020
i beg we don’t rush him back before he’s fully fit
— Dylan⛔️ (@RicharlisonEra) February 16, 2020
Fantastic news so pleased for him his family and most of all r club COYB 💙🇨🇦
— Colin Hesketh (@ColinHesketh2) February 16, 2020
Unreal recovery
— David 1878 (@davidjbricey) February 16, 2020
Such GLORIOUS NEWS! Was truly afraid after seeing the horror tackle inflicted upon @aftgomes by “He who shall not be blamed” that we wouldn’t see André back on the pitch this season! We’ve got every chance of having before my birthday! What a present! Happy Birthday to me! UTFT!
— Jim Chandler (@spicejim73) February 16, 2020
Hero💙
— The Toffee Blues (@EvertonNewsFeed) February 16, 2020
Can’t wait to see the sexy man back on the pitch 💙
— Benj Winstanley ➐ (@benjwinstanley) February 16, 2020
Who won? 👀
Great news this 👍🏽
— Han’s Tours (@Hanstours) February 16, 2020
In other Everton news, a Europa League side are said to be planning a summer raid to sign a 6ft Toffees talent this summer.