Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Andre Gomes is nearing a remarkable return from the horror injury he sustained against Tottenham last year.
The Portuguese midfielder suffered a fractured dislocation of his ankle in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw with Spurs at Goodison Park in November, following a challenge from Son Heung-min.
The South Korean was left in tears after seeing the extent of the ex-Barcelona man's injury and was sent off, although his dismissal was overturned by the FA after a successful appeal from Spurs.
Gomes has not featured since for Everton, but Ancelotti has confirmed that he is getting closer to a return, with the Toffees hoping to welcome him back after the winter break.
Everton, who host Crystal Palace at Goodison Park tomorrow, travel to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after the winter break.
And Ancelotti has said that Gomes could be back on the pitch before the Toffees make the trip to north London to face the Gunners.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Italian said: "We are hoping to arrange a friendly for him after the break."
Ancelotti also gave an update on midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who has not featured for Everton since October.
"The surgery went well. Now he is doing additional treatment. We have to move slowly with him. Step-by-step," he said.
"We hope to see him before the end of the season.
