Everton winger returns to action later today

It has taken a long, long time but winger Yannick Bolasie finally returns to competitive action on the pitch later today.

The Congolese international injured his right knee during Everton’s draw with Manchester United last season on December 4 and had to be stretchered from the field. It was later confirmed that the 27-year-old had suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage.

Bolasie underwent an immediate operation and then had to go under the knife again before he could properly begin his rehabilitation that has seen finally return to the training ground just a month or so ago.

In the meantime though, the Blues have struggled with a lack of pace and width, a problem that only slightly improved since Sam Allardyce took over and installed Aaron Lennon as a fixture on the right in an intentionally-lopsided attack designed to overload the right.

The return of Bolasie, and assuming he gets back to full match fitness quickly, will give the Blues another attacking option likely on the left where Kevin Mirallas has been lackadaisical at best.

In the meantime though, here’s best wishes to Bolasie for gritting his way through what must have been a very frustrating year for him - welcome back Yala!