Everton confirm that Jean-Philippe Gbamin has ‘returned to light training’ ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Burnley.
Gbamin has made just two appearances since his move from Mainz 05, but the 24-year-old been out of action since August with a ‘muscle injury’, missing Everton’s last seven games in all competitions. Marco Silva says he’s nearing a recovery, however.
He revealed in Thursday’s press conference: “We saw him for the first time this morning on the pitch doing individual work with (Head of Performance) Bruno (Mendes). Let’s see over the next few days how he’ll react.
“It’s step by step to see but it was a good sign for us to see him on the pitch with his teammates and starting to run. Even if it was individual work, it’s still a good step.”
Gbamin’s return may have come too soon to feature against Burnley, but he’s sure to be back after the international break – Everton will have a two-week absence before they lock horns with West Ham United (October 19).
The Ivorian international has been missed – Everton have managed just one Premier League win in five without him, conceding 12 goals. The Toffees have picked up four points from Gbamin’s two appearances, keeping clean sheets in both.
Everton can’t afford any more slip-ups, even if they won’t have their summer signing available, as Silva’s men are 15th in the table with seven points from as many games. The Merseysiders have lost four of their last five and three on the bounce, and are closer to the relegation zone than ninth place.
Saturday’s trip to Burnley will be a tough game.