Young Everton striker Rafael Garcia has made his return for the first time in 19 months after a long-term injury.
The 18-year-old was involved from the bench as the Blues under-18s side lost 4-1 to Newcastle United on Saturday, with the youngster making his way onto the pitch in the 73rd minute.
That was his first appearance since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the summer of 2019, which ruled him out of action for 19 months.
Garcia posted on Instagram after making his return, saying: "Unlucky result today but good to be back out there after 19 months."
The striker signed his first professional contract with Everton in October 2019, putting pen-to-paper on a deal to keep him with the club until June 2022 despite the serious injury he had just suffered.
The youngster joined the Blues from Fulham in 2017.
"Signing a first pro contract is a huge thing and hopefully it will be the start of something big," he told evertonfc.com at the time of signing his first professional contract.
"I’ve had so much help since I’ve joined Everton, from my teammates, my coaches and the staff.
"The people at Everton are very nice and very kind. The transition has been easy.
"It is a great club to be at, with a brilliant history."
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