Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Andre Gomes is “ready to play” when Everton face Arsenal this weekend, via the club’s official website.
The Toffees will travel to the Emirates looking to build upon their back-to-back Premier League wins against Watford and Crystal Palace this month, while the Gunners will want to keep momentum going after winning their first game since New Years’ Day with a 4-0 demolition of Newcastle last weekend.
Having spent several months on the sidelines after suffering an ankle fracture dislocation against Tottenham in November, Gomes will be available to return to the Blues’ midfield against the North London side.
Everton confirmed earlier this week that the 26-year old midfielder had taken part in a 60-minute training game, playing the duration without incident in an 11-a-side match against and with fellow first-team players and Under-23s.
Talking to EvertonTV, Ancelotti confirmed that Gomes would be in contention for the game, claiming that while he needs to speak to the player about whether he feels ready, the Italian is confident he can now return.
Ancelotti said:
He did well (in the weekend practice match), he played comfortably and without any problems and he is available, in my opinion, to play.
Of course, I have to speak to him about how he feels after playing his first game following a long time out. My personal opinion is he is ready to play.
When a player has been out for a long period, I think it is better to start the game.
He can prepare properly, (rather) than to put him on from the bench but I have to speak to him and together we can find a solution.
So should Ancelotti introduce the Portugal international from the off against Arsenal this weekend?
We feel as if the Toffees must take caution with Gomes’ reintroduction, as they look to ease his return to the fold against the Gunners.
While Gomes may be ready to return, his 60-minute training game might not have been enough preparation to replicate the intensity of a Premier League match, not least one where both sides competing are jostling for a Europa League spot.
With any significant injury, there is always the concern that they may be brought back too soon, and that would become a pressing issue for Everton should Gomes suffer an extended lay-off after being brought back before he is truly ready.
If Everton want to mount a European qualification charge for the remainder of the season, we feel as if they’ll need their best players firing on all cylinders, and that includes Gomes who will need to be fit and ready to contribute.
We all want to see Gomes back this weekend, but we also hope that Everton, Ancelotti and the player himself will all be absolutely certain that he is ready for it if he does indeed play.
