Ancelotti confirms Gbamin fit to return against Crystal Palace
Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin is available to face Crystal Palace on Monday having finally put his injury troubles behind him.
Signed from Mainz for £25million in 2019, Gbamin was initially seen as the club’s long-term replacement for Idrissa Gana Gueye, who left that summer to join Paris Saint-Germain.
However the Ivory Coast international hasn’t played for the Toffees since August 2019, with a series of lengthy injuries keeping him on the sidelines at Goodison Park for almost two years.
Everton are set to face Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Monday and Ancelotti has explained that Gbamin could finally be set to return, with the 25-year old “available” to play against the Eagles.
Talking in his pre-match press conference (relayed by Liverpool Echo), Ancelotti said: “Gbamin is really good news. He trained this week and last week and did well and feels comfortable.
“He is in a good condition, the medical staff did a fantastic job on him. He is ready to play but of course, we have to consider he did not play for a year and a half.
“His last game was in 2019 but we can say he is back. I don’t know if he is going to play Monday but for sure he will be involved, he will be available.”
About time
Gbamin has been out injured for so long that his return to fitness and availability almost feels surreal.
JP has waited patiently and worked hard to get the stage where he can make his return for the Blues, so we’re all hoping that he doesn’t suffer any setbacks when he does finally earn his opportunity.
Ancelotti is now faced with the difficult situation of finding the right time to transition him back into action because the Italian will be acutely aware of how risky it could be if Gbamin returns too soon.
Ancelotti has declared JP fit and ready to play, so we’d like to think that further setbacks aren’t likely, but the Ivorian has had some rotten luck over the past two seasons so who is to say he won’t suffer more.
Carlo needs to see Gbamin in action before the summer transfer window ideally because his performances could shape transfer plans, but most importantly Everton must protect the player and do the best they can to ensure that when he does return, he returns for good.
In other Everton news, The Athletic reported Gregg O’Keeffe has hinted at Everton forward’s likely summer exit from Goodison Park.
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