Gomes set to return

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Everton midfielder Andre Gomes could play again before the end of the season after surgery on his broken ankle went well, his club manager Marco Silva said.

The 26-year-old Portuguese suffered a fracture dislocation of the right ankle after being tripped by Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min in Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

Silva said the news from the club medical staff had been mildly encouraging following Monday’s surgery and suggested a return could be feasible before the end of the campaign in mid-May.

“It’s not easy for us to give a sure date about when he will return,” Silva said at his press conference ahead of this weekend’s match with fellow strugglers Southampton.

“What’s in our mind and the feedback I have from our medical staff is that it’s possible we will see Andre playing again this season.”

“Of course, it’s not something we are 100 percent sure about, but we have good possibilities to do that.”

“He is strong, he will keep strong for sure and will become stronger as a player.”

Silva, whose side is in need of points and lies just one place above the relegation zone, said he understood the distress of Son and Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier.

Gomes fell awkwardly following the challenge from Son and his momentum carried him into Aurier.

Son, whose red card was rescinded on appeal, was visibly distraught while Aurier had to be replaced soon afterwards due to being so upset.

“Yes, I think he (Gomes) received a text message or something like that from Son,” said Silva.

What’s in our mind and the feedback I have from our medical staff is that it’s possible we will see Andre playing again this season.