Andre Gomes could be in Everton matchday squad v Tottenham in Premier League showdown
Andre Gomes could be involved in Sean Dyche’s matchday squad as Everton prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday as he returns from injury.
The Portuguese midfielder’s season has been plagued by multiple injuries, not being involved with the senior team since making the bench in the first game of the campaign.
Dyche announced that, following a full 90 minutes for Everton U21s against Feyenoord, the 30-year-old could be fit enough to be involved in the squad against Spurs but is unlikely to feature.
Speaking to Liverpool Echo (22 December), he said: “Andre is close. He completed 90 minutes the other night, which I said was a must for me after having such a long period of ups and downs.
“So he is closer to the group and may even get into the group to travel this weekend, not necessarily playing but amongst it and getting that feel again.”
All you can ask for
On his day, Gomes is one of the most technical midfielders in the Premier League. He is a former Barcelona player for a reason, but injury has blighted his Everton career since arriving from the Catalans in 2018.
It is not the first time Gomes has had to overcome adversity at Goodison Park, coming back from a fractured dislocation to his right foot in 2019, which saw him away from football for 112 days.
The veteran could offer an incredible option for Dyche in midfield, but only if he is fit enough for a run of games in the side. It would be a disaster if he suffered another setback.
Working his way back to fitness to play a backup role to Idrissa Gana Gueye, Amadou Onana and James Garner, Gomes possesses a vast range of knowledge and experience, which could be vital for Everton’s dressing room this season.
Having already played an important role for his teammates from the sidelines, helping the squad through a tough period at Goodison Park, Gomes has still been very involved with the club despite his injuries.
He has gone beyond what has been expected of him, more than just focusing on his own fitness. There will be some very loud cheers when he finally returns to the pitch.
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