João Virginia returns to Everton from SC Cambuur loan to begin rehabilitation after injury
Everton goalkeeper João Virginia has already returned to the club from his loan spell at SC Cambuur after suffering an injury, according to Dutch outlet Leeuwarder Courant.
The 23-year-old Portuguese joined the Dutch outfit in the summer after he was deemed surplus to requirements at Goodison Park, and went on to feature in 17 Eredivisie games, registering four clean sheets.
However, after a good start to his loan spell, the young shot-stopper eventually lost his place in the team due to some rash goalkeeping in between the sticks.
And with just a few matchdays of the season to go, Virginia’s loan spell has been cut short and has already returned to Everton to begin his recovery.
“João Virginia will no longer play for SC Cambuur this season. The goalkeeper, who had to give up his place under the bar to Robbin Ruiter at the end of January, has an injury.
“For example, the flamboyant Virginia entered through Cambuur’s front door, but leaves through the back door. He has already returned to his club Everton, where he is under contract until the end of next season. He will rehabilitate in Liverpool”, Leeuwarder Courant reveals [3 May].
Future uncertain
Virginia was going to be third choice keeper had he stayed put at Goodison Park this season, and it’s unlikely he’ll be able to fight for his place again next season, but that could change in the Toffees suffer relegation.
Jordan Pickford will almost certainly depart Everton should they go down to the Championship which may hand Virginia a chance to fight for a spot, but even that seems uncertain given his struggling performances for SC Cambuur.
It doesn’t seem like he’s improved much since his move, which will become very concerning for the Everton board and management but with much of the club’s focus on their long-term Premier League ambitions, no decisions regarding Virginia’s future will be made until well into the summer window.
The 23-year-old will be desperate to return from injury to prove himself in the team before any decision is made, but given his age and potential, there’s no reason why he can’t be handed an opportunity to prove himself.
If the worst should happen, there are plenty of clubs, especially in the Championship who would be willing to give him a chance.