Report: Everton worry that summer signing may not play again this season
Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s time at Everton hasn’t quite panned out so far. Injuries have plagued the Ivory Coast international this campaign.
The 24-year-old was a big money signing from German side Mainz, ostensibly to replace Idrissa Gana Gueye, but has missed the majority of the season.
He played just two games for the club before going down injured, and has since had two operations on thigh problems.
The Toffees had initially hoped that he would be back in time to play a major part in the closing months of the campaign.
Now, however, Football Insider report that expectations have reduced that he will be fit enough to return this season.
He is currently in the early stages of his recovery from his second surgery, and was thought to be on an eight-week rehabilitation plan.
It now appears that he may not appear again for the Blues until the following campaign, rending his debut season a write-off.
What does this mean for Everton and Gbamin?
It’s certainly a big blow for both, although probably more so for the player. Gbamin is, by all accounts, a quality operator, but we just haven’t seen it this season.
By the time he returns to full fitness he’ll be looking to compete with Andre Gomes, Tom Davies, Fabian Delph, Morgan Schneiderlin and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
In that respect, the Toffees might as well sit him out for the remainder of the campaign. Otherwise, he’d be doing too much to catch up with that group.
Give him a full pre season and see what he looks like over the summer. Hopefully, then, he’ll return and put in a quality season next time out.
In other Everton news, Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly plotting to return to Naples for an attacking midfielder.