Boost for Everton as star midfielder returns after frightening injury

Andre.Gomes_.Everton.TEAMtalk

Everton have been handed a welcome boost with the news that Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes has rejoined first-team training for the first time since the frightening fracture and dislocation of his right ankle suffered in November.

The 26-year-old returned to the club’s Finch Farm training base earlier this month to continue his rehabilitation from the injury he sustained in a challenge with Spurs forward Son Heung-Min.

Gomes – who expressed his emotion after being flooded with letters of support – had been working with medical staff on his own up until his team training on Tuesday.

“The former Benfica and Valencia star was able to complement his individual programme by working alongside his Blues team-mates for small sections of today’s first-team session,” said a statement from Everton.

It is the first time Gomes has trained under Carlo Ancelotti, who was appointed manager last month.

Richarlison, who has missed the last two games because of a knee injury, was also part of the session, as were Alex Iwobi (hamstring) and Gylfi Sigurdsson (groin).

Meanwhile, Everton, along with fellow Premier League side Leicester City and two others are all chasing the signature of a Sunderland centre-half.

The 20-year-old central defender has already featured for Sunderland in the FA Cup and EFL Trophy – but he is yet to make his league debut.

The Mackem could now be ready to leave the Stadium of Light before making his league debut – as he is wanted by a number of top-flight clubs.