A new blow to Everton’s injury list as a midfielder is evaluated ahead of the Manchester United match.
When Everton travels to Old Trafford on Saturday to play Manchester United, Andre Gomes is questionable.
Due to a health concern that he developed over the week, the midfield player did not practice with the starting lineup on Thursday. On Friday, employees at Finch Farm are scheduled to evaluate a calf issue before determining whether or not he will be available for the weekend.
If he is unable to participate, it will be the most recent blow for a man who has proven he can assist Sean Dyche’s first team plans but has experienced numerous setbacks since playing in the preseason.
After recovering from his most recent issue, Gomes started the game as a substitute against West Ham United this past weekend.
The 30-year-old had a difficult season despite seeming to turn around his injury-marred career during a successful loan at Lille in France. Gomes was included in the matchday squad for the Premier League opener against Fulham, indicating that Dyche was willing to give him a shot in the summer.
After that, a string of setbacks and injuries prevented him from playing until a few days before Christmas, when he came off the bench to transform the match, score one goal, and nearly set up two more while leading a valiant Everton comeback from two early goals.
Gomes’ early-year free kick against Crystal Palace proved to be enough to take the Blues past them and into the FA Cup fourth round in the Goodison Park rematch. His progress was again delayed by a calf issue prior to his return last week.
Gomes’ availability would have been helpful to Dyche, who will not have a senior central midfielder on the bench on Saturday should neither player recover in time. Idrissa Gueye is also doubtful following a groin injury that caused him to miss the West Ham game.
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