Gomes on road to recovery, confirms Everton boss Ancelotti

Gomes sustained a dislocation fracture to his right ankle during Everton's 1-1 draw with Tottenham in November, after a challenge from Son Heung-min, with early reports suggesting the former Barcelona player would miss the rest of the season.

However, Ancelotti – whose Everton side were beaten by a second-string Liverpool team in the FA Cup on Sunday – has issued a positive update on Gomes' status, though the Italian was unable to give a timeframe on the playmaker's return.

"Andre comes back next week and will start to train individually here," Ancelotti told a news conference on Friday, ahead of Everton's clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.

"It is good news because he is doing well. His recovery is going faster. I hope he can be with us [the squad] as soon as possible because he is a fantastic player."

Thank you for your unconditional support!Obrigado pelo vosso apoio incondicional!¡Muchas gracias por todo vuestro apoyo! pic.twitter.com/KEz31pvWD2

— André Gomes (@aftgomes) November 6, 2019

Everton allowed striker Cenk Tosun to leave on loan to Crystal Palace on Friday and Ancelotti said the Toffees may add to their squad in January following a meeting with director of football Marcel Brands.

"We have had a positive meeting and, if there is some possibility to improve our squad, we are going to do that," the former Napoli boss said.