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Everton say an operation on Andre Gomes’ ankle injury went “extremely well” and are confident the midfielder will make a full recovery.
Gomes suffered a fractured dislocation of his right ankle after landing awkwardly and then colliding with Serge Aurier following a challenge by Son Hueng-Min during the second half of Sunday’s game against Tottenham.
The 26-year-old was carried off on a stretcher and taken immediately to hospital for assessment before having surgery on Monday.
In a statement, Everton said:
“Everton Football Club can confirm Andre Gomes underwent surgery to repair a fracture dislocation to his right ankle earlier today and the procedure went extremely well.
“The Portugal international, who sustained the injury in yesterday’s Premier League fixture with Tottenham Hotspur, will now spend some time recovering in hospital, before returning to USM Finch Farm to start his rehabilitation under the guidance of the Club’s medical staff.
“The 26-year-old is expected to make a full recovery.
“On behalf of Andre, the Club would like to thank all Everton supporters and members of the wider football family for the overwhelming messages of support we have received since yesterday’s match.”
While the fact that the surgery was successful is undoubtedly good news, Gomes’ recovery time remains uncertain.
Ben Dinnery, who helps run the Premierinjuries website, says he expects Gomes to be back playing within 4-6 months.
That would effectively wipe out this season, but at least give him the summer to get up to speed ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
However, I imagine that is dependent on his rehabilitation progressing with no setbacks.
Successful surgery, no major setbacks. I'd expect a RTP within 4-6 months. #Gomes https://t.co/5Vxd3UAC4o
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) November 4, 2019
2016
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) November 4, 2019
Aymeric Laporte - leg fracture and dislocated ankle - RTP 138 days. #MCFC
2010
Antonio Valencia - leg fracture and dislocated ankle - RTP 179 days. #MUFC
2007
Abou Diaby - leg fracture and dislocated ankle - RTP 306 days. #AFC https://t.co/rjd4tBdjXY
Dinnery also highlighted examples of similar injuries with recovery times ranging from just over five months (Aymeric Laporte) to more than a year (Abou Diaby).
Then there is the psychological impact of suffering such a horrific injury, which may impede Gomes’ return to competitive action.
That, though, is for the future. For now it is all about focusing on recovery and ensuring the injury heals as quickly as possible.
And for that, everyone in the football world sends their best wishes to Andre for a speedy recovery.