ANDRE GOMES has returned to the Everton side for the first time since suffering a horrific leg break just four months ago.
The midfielder came on in the 60th minute against Arsenal as Carlo Ancelotti’s side were chasing the game at the Emirates.
Everton midfielder Andre Gomes returned to action against Arsenal at the Emirates after a shocking leg breakCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Andre Gomes talks to Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti as he prepares to make his returnCredit: Reuters
Andre Gomes waits to come on as a substitute for Everton against Arsenal at the Emirates in the Premier LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association
Gomes showed no signs of his past injury as he clattered into Gunners skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in injury time.
The clumsy challenge earned Everton’s replacement a booking from referee Stuart Attwell in the 94th minute.
The Toffees were beaten 3-2 by Arsenal having taken the lead after just a minute before they made it 2-2 in first half stoppage time.
Gomes suffered his injury against Tottenham in a coming together with Son Heung-min – who was sent off.
Son’s red card was later rescinded but Gomes has made remarkable progress to get himself back on the Premier League pitch in just 112 days.
He was named on the bench having previously said in January that he had this match in mind as a target for his comeback.
It surprised many when Portuguese ace Gomes returned to Everton training at the start of 2020.
After his collision with South Korean star Son, the 26-year-old had to be given Oxygen and many players were visibly distressed at the scenes.
Son himself was distraught at the injury to a fellow professional and was consoled by Spurs support staff as he made his way off at Goodison Park.
Referee Martin Atkinson initially appeared to decide the incident was only worthy of a yellow card but after seeing the injured Gomes on the floor he decided to upgrade his decision.
Gomes was stretchered off and went on to have a successful operation to repair his fractured and dislocated ankle.
The Portuguese international received wide-ranging support from the football community after such a gruesome injury.
Andre Gomes and Granit Xhaka share an embrace at the Emirates after Gomes returned to actionCredit: PA:Press Association
When the former Barcelona man returned to social media he had received hundreds of messages from well-wishers.
Team-mate and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the time said: “Thinking of you brother. We’re all here for you.
“Hope to see you back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
Andre Gomes tears up as he reads letters of support from Everton fans after suffering ankle injury
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
