Daniel Lewis

Tue 5 December 2023 7:40, UK

Everton manager Sean Dyche may consider welcoming Andre Gomes back into the first-team fold after the midfielder made his return to action for the Under-21s.

Gomes has once again been plagued by injuries this season, with his most recent issue ruling him out of action since August.

The former Portugal international was back on the field on Monday [4 December], though, as he helped the U21s to a 5-0 win over Southampton.

Gomes was hailed by boss Paul Tait after playing an hour at Finch Farm, while also earning praise for sticking around after being subbed.

“Andre was excellent. His calmness on the ball was great and you could see he’s a top-class player,” Tait told Everton’s website [4 December].

“When he came off, I told him to go and get a shower but he wouldn’t because he wanted to stay out with the lads and watch the rest of the game.”

Gomes has showed great attitude throughout his battles with injury while at Everton, and it may well be that he is now clear of any niggles.

Still aged just 30, the midfielder – who spent last season on loan in Ligue 1 with Lille – can offer a lot to the Toffees once he is fully back up and running.

It may well be that Gomes needs to play another couple of U21s matches to prove his fitness, at which point Dyche may have an unexpected problem on his hands.

Dyche already has James Garner, Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana to choose from in central midfield, but Gomes is an alternative option as we head into a busy run of fixtures.

Gomes was supposedly close to departing Goodison Park a few months ago [Fotomac, 13 September], but he stayed put and now looks ready to fight for his future on Merseyside.

The early signs are certainly promising in that regard. As unlikely as it seemed not so long ago, Gomes could yet play a big part in the Toffees’ fight for survival this campaign.

In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit was amazed by what he saw after the Toffees’ win at Nottingham Forest as footage emerges.