Former Everton assistant manager João Pedro Sousa is backing Andre Gomes to bounce back from the serious injury he suffered last weekend.
Gomes sustained a fracture dislocation to his right ankle after a tackle from Tottenham's Son Heung-min.
The midfielder had successful surgery on Monday and was discharged from hospital the following day.
The Portuguese international thanked fans for their support on his social media accounts as he begins his recovery.
Sousa worked with Gomes last season before leaving Everton in the summer to take charge at Famalicão.
And the former Blues coach described the midfielder as a "champion", backing him to come back better and stronger.
"I have already spoken to André Gomes and take the opportunity to send him a hug," he told Record in Portugal via Sport Witness.
"We exchanged a few messages. Fortunately, he is well. He is a champion, a unique player, a fantastic person.
"I am sure he will recover quickly and will be a better player than he was, if at all possible."
In his press conference yesterday, Marco Silva was hopeful Gomes could make a return to football this season and revealed he and the rest of the Everton squad plan to visit him at home before he is able to begin his rehabilitation.
