Injury boost for Everton ahead of Liverpool clash as Ancelotti gives update on training progress

Andre Gomes is back in training and likely to be fit for Sunday’s Merseyside derby as Carlo Ancelotti gave an optimistic assessment of his squad’s readiness for the Premier League’s return.

The Portuguese midfielder has been sidelined with what was described as a “minor knock” and missed the weekend’s intra-squad game at Goodison Park. However, he has since resumed training at Finch Farm and is set to be ready to feature against the Reds on Sunday.

It is a timely boost for the Toffees after the squad picked up five separate injuries in the first four weeks back training.

Of those, Jean-Philippe Gbamin is the only long term absentee after he suffered an Achilles injury. Fabian Delph and Yerry Mina both picked up muscle problems but could yet make the squad for Sunday, though next week’s trip to Norwich is a more realistic target.

Theo Walcott underwent successful abdominal surgery last week and is on course to resume training in three weeks.

Speaking about the easing injury situation. Ancelotti told the club’s website:

“Andre Gomes is training with the team so he is not going to have a problem for Sunday.

“The physical condition of the team in general is good and we are looking to recover Yerry Mina and Fabian Delph.

“Mina has a check on Wednesday, so we will see with him [if he is ready to face Liverpool]. We have to check on Fabian Delph, also.

“They are both close to coming back to training but remain doubts for the game on Sunday.

“If they do not play, we hope they will be with us for the match at Norwich, for sure.

“Theo Walcott had surgery last week, we hope he will not be long in recovery and can be ready to come back with us [in training] in three weeks.”