Injury-hit midfielder Andre Gomes makes timely return to action to give Everton a boost despite doubts over his future

Very little has been planned for Andre Gomes since he permanently joined Everton. Serious injuries combined with lost confidence and a haze of new managers demanding different styles, and the backdrop of the club's descent into financial crisis.

Marco Silva was in charge when he arrived and broke a leg, and it was Carlo Ancelotti at the helm by the time he was fit again before Rafa Benitez made way for Frank Lampard, who loaned him to Lille, for six months.

However, Gomes' first appearance under Sean Dyche was a reminder of his rare quality. He starred from the bench for Tottenham for just over an hour and looked strong and effective in Dyche's system.

His passing was excellent. He was creative and scored his first Everton goal in two years, his first in the Premier League in almost four years.

“I'm very happy for him,” Dyche said. 'He's had a very hard time. When he came back in preseason I made it clear that I wanted him to be part of us and what we do. He made it clear that he wanted to try that. Then it was a really frustrating period.'

Gomes suffered a horrific injury in 2019 during a challenge with Tottenham's Son Heung-min

Gomes has been plagued by injuries for the first five months of this season and the Everton boss insisted he would complete his rehabilitation with 90 minutes for the Under-21s, which he did against Feyenoord last week.

“It was a little too early to sign him, but we were tense and looked at how to go about it, and I thought he was excellent,” said Dyche, who was forced into the substitution when Idrissa Gueye was injured in the first half hit. at Spurs.

'The way he adapted to the game after the first seven or eight minutes was excellent. Also his adaptability within the role, because he played higher and filled in. Some of his passing was excellent.”

Everton were two behind when he came on, but he quickly caught up with the pace of the match. He created the 'goal' for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, was disallowed early in the second half and scored in the 82nd minute, a typically fine strike from an angle as the ball skipped over from a corner.

“He came on and showed his ability,” goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said. “He's had a few injuries and has gotten fit and his training has been great. It's good for him to get a goal and confidence.

The 30-year-old capped an impressive performance off the bench with an excellent goal

Gomes could play an important role for Sean Dyche's team in the coming weeks

'It shows that we now have the team together. He has been out of the picture since the preseason and he came into the picture and made a big impact. Everyone who passes by does not stand still, they try to take advantage of the opportunity. We have a team collaboration that will push us further.”

Gomes is out of contract at the end of the season. He could agree a move abroad next month. He is 30 and one of the top earners at Goodison Park. He signed for £22million from Barcelona in 2019 after an excellent season on loan, and his days on Merseyside appear to be numbered.

However, his return to fitness is well timed and he could play an important role for Dyche's team in the coming weeks. Midfielders Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure are struggling with injuries and Gueye is expected in Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations next month.

Everton will face Manchester City on Wednesday. The champions are back in the Premier League after a pre-Christmas trip to Saudi Arabia where they added the Club World Cup to their collection of trophies.