There is currently a ‘question mark’ hanging over the fitness of Everton’s Portuguese midfielder Andre Gomes.
According to Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo, the former Barcelona man missed training sessions last week which has led to concerns over his fitness.
Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit are set to return to action on Sunday against Liverpool at Goodison Park (per Premier League) and it seems there is a chance that Gomes is a doubt for the clash.
In the latest episode of Everton podcast Royal Blue, which is hosted by Liverpool Echo journalists, the 26-year-old’s fitness was discussed in the context of other injuries.
Speaking on Friday, Kirkbride said: “Carlo’s preparations cannot be classed as ideal, can they?
“So adding to the news we knew about JP Gbamin’s setback – Yerry Mina we knew about – news at the start of this week: Theo Walcott – he’s going to be sidelined for four weeks having undergone abdominal surgery.
“Andre Gomes has missed training this week hoping to be back in training next week. But of course, a question mark over him.
“And a similar sentiment for Fabian Delph. [He] missed some of training this week and again, a question mark at this stage over him for next weekend.”
TIF Thoughts…
With Gomes having missed a relatively large portion of the season already through a long-term ankle injury earlier this term (per Transfermarkt), it seems likely Everton fans will be hoping his concern is minor.
And with Kirkbride having stated that there were hopes for the midfielder to be back in training sometime this week, that seems relatively positive.
However, with the journalist having admitted that Gomes still had a ‘question mark’ over him, the other injuries mentioned may cause Ancelotti problems in centre-midfield.
Is Andre Gomes the best central midfielder that Everton currently have?Yes, he's the best
No, not the best
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If those with injury doubts do miss the clash with Liverpool, the Italian will only have Gylfi Sigurdsson, Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin to choose from in terms of the other midfielders to have already played for Everton this season (per WhoScored).
With Sigurdsson having recorded the best average rating out of the three players with a 6.68/10 in the league this season, the options may not fill fans with confidence.