Andre Gomes could be dropped for Everton clash v Chelsea
Everton midfielder Andre Gomes could drop to the bench for the Premier League fixture against Chelsea, suggests Adam Jones.
The Toffees travel to Stamford Bridge on Thursday following their 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday (12 December).
The game against the Eagles was Gomes’s first start since returning from a calf injury that kept him out for over two months.
Writing in his latest piece for the Liverpool Echo, Jones hinted that the Portuguese ace might lose his place in west London:
“Andre Gomes was more promising against Palace, but did seem to tire at the end of the match and so this game against Chelsea may come a little too quickly for the returning star.”
Wise move
In an ideal world, Gomes would be able to play every game after his injury but perhaps it would be a wise decision to ease him back into action.
The midfielder’s introduction off the bench against Arsenal last week (6 December) gave Everton a real boost and helped them score twice in the final 13 minutes to beat the Gunners 2-1; Gomes got the assist for Demarai Gray’s stunning late winner.
The 28-year-old was then deservedly handed a start against Palace and started brightly, having one of the team’s few attempts on goal in the first half.
He was far less influential after the break though and gave the ball away for Conor Gallagher to score his second goal late on.
The game at Selhurst Park was the first time Gomes completed 90 minutes since March, which is bound to have taken its toll.
If he does drop to the bench on Thursday, Anthony Gordon, Alex Iwobi or (if fit) Allan are all candidates to replace him.
In other Everton news, Michael Owen has predicted the outcome of Thursday’s clash against Chelsea.
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