Andre Gomes expected to make full recovery from ankle injury
Everton midfielder Andre Gomes is expected to make a full recovery from a fracture dislocation to his ankle, sustained in Sunday’s draw with Tottenham.
Players and supporters were in shock when Gomes was left writhing in agony following a tackle by Son Heung-min which led to a collision with Serge Aurier.
Everton have since tweeted to update supporters on Gomes’ condition, stating the player is “expected to make a full recovery.”
The statement added: “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.
“Andre 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. He is expected to make a full recovery.
“The 26-year-old is expected to make a full recovery. On behalf of André, 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.”
The Premier League had explained the red card given to Tottenham Hotspur’s Son was ‘for endangering the safety of a player’ after Everton’s Andre Gomes was left with a fractured and dislocated ankle.
Portuguese midfielder Gomes was stretchered off the pitch, with Son visibly distraught following the incident and team-mates trying and failing to console the South Korean.
"Son is devastated and in tears - it's not his fault,” Dele Alli, who scored Spurs’ goal in the 1-1 draw, said after the game. “Son is one of nicest people you've ever met. He can't even lift his head up, he's crying so much.
"The injury does play on your mind during the match but you have to stay professional."
On-field referee Martin Atkinson appeared set to give Son a yellow card following his trip on Gomes before reaching for a red and dismissing the 27-year-old.
And a statement from the Premier League later confirmed the thought process behind the decision.
“The red card, issued by the on-field referee, for Son was for endangering the safety of a player, which happened as a consequence of his initial challenge.”
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino labelled the red card ‘really unfair’. According to The Athletic, it is unclear whether or not the club will appeal the decision.
Substitute Cenk Tosun scored Everton’s equaliser deep into stoppage time but admitted most players’ thoughts were with Gomes.
“You win, you draw, you lose but all that doesn’t matter when something like this happens,” the striker posted on Instagram. “I wish I didn’t score, I wish we lost 0-5 and this didn’t happen. I know you will come back stronger bro and we will be there for you.”
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