Everton have been dealt a major boost to their midfield options after it emerged that Ivorian defensive midfielder Jean-Phillipe Gbamin is nearing a return to full fitness after suffering a long-term injury.
The latest stage of Jean-Philippe Gbamin’s rehabilitation has been taking place in a suburb of Paris, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Gbamin, who is recovering from a major Achilles injury, is scheduled to return to playing at some point between November and December. He is reportedly approaching full fitness and could be available for the Toffees within the next couple of weeks.
According to the Echo, until Gbamin is passed fit enough to rejoin his team-mates he will continue his comeback in France working with a French coaching and fitness company called Odysium.
In further fitness boosts to Ancelotti’s plans, Jarrad Branthwaite is also back in training after his ankle problem.
Another returning figure is Mason Holgate, who was suffering from a toe injury – he has returned to training at Finch Farm.
The defender has missed the Blues’ opening nine games of the season because of the toe injury he sustained in the squad’s final warm-up game of pre-season against Championship outfit Preston North End.
He had previously been out of action for seven weeks, though Everton offered no formal timeframe for his return.
Seamus Coleman’s hamstring issue forced the club captain out of the game with Southampton, but it was described as not as too serious, while Jonjoe Kenny will be hopeful of being fit enough to be in serious contention for Sunday’s trip north to Newcastle United.
Read Everton Verdict
Gbamin’s return, coupled with a host of other faces, is a blessing to Ancelotti’s options.
It will prove to be something of a positive headache for the Italian tactician, though it will nonetheless come as a welcome boost as the Toffees look to push up the table.
