Andre Gomes is set to make a full recovery following the confirmation from his team, Everton, that the Portuguese underwent surgery to repair a broken right ankle. The midfielder was hurt in a tackle that involved Tottenham's Son Heung-min and Serge Aurier. The match ended in a draw.
In a statement, the Toffees said Gomes was operated on "to repair a fracture dislocation to his right ankle earlier today and the procedure went extremely well."
The club reported that the midfielder is expected to make a full recovery following the surgery.
"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," The Sun quoted Everton's statement as saying.
The team likewise expressed appreciation for the love shown not only by Everton supporters but also by football fans from around the world.
"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 statement said.
While Everton has indicated that Gomes will return to action, it remains unclear when exactly the Portuguese will be able to return to the pitch. Metro said it is unlikely that the injured player can still make a comeback in the season.
It is certain, however, that a spot awaits for Gomes at the club. Everton has just signed the midfielder to a permanent contract that amounted to £22 million, partly due to an impressive loan spell with Barcelona.
Toffees manager Marco Silva has indicated that since the return of Gomes in the season, the player has carved a niche as among the key midfielder in Everton. Silva said he is looking forward to the speedy recovery of Gomes.
Gomes' fractured ankle was the result of the challenge from Son, who was first given a yellow ticket after the collision. But following a review with the use of VAR, the South Korean was sent off with a red card that automatically meted three-game suspension, the Independent reported.
Tottenham called the punishment as unbelievable and indicated that the club would file an appeal, which was confirmed by Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino. Teammates of Son have said that the South Korea international was "broken and inconsolable," as a result of the incident.
The Premier League has indicated that the red card handed to Son was for the player's action that led to the endangerment of another player on the pitch.
"The red card for Son was for endangering the safety of a player which happened as a consequence of his initial challenge," the league said in a statement.
