As Everton returned to training for the first time under new boss Rafa Benitez, there was a positive update on a seldom-seen man in Jean-Phillippe Gbamin.
Signed as a replacement for Idrissa Gana Gueye, the £25 million signing from Bundesliga side Mainz failed to live up to expectations at Goodison Park, with his Toffees career ravaged by a series of long-term injuries.
Having spent two years at the club, fans have scarcely been able to relish the sight of the midfield enforcer in action with the Ivorian having managed just two Premier League appearances in his entire Everton career.
However, a positive update from Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo – as shared by Toffee TV (@ToffeeTVEFC) on Twitter – indicates that Gbamin could be ready to resume a role with the squad.
Twitter: Jean-Philippe Gbamin is said to be feeling ‘very fit’ as he prepares to try and impress new Everton boss Rafa Benit… https://t.co/Jn4hbeRoKL (@ToffeeTVEFC)
Gbamin is said to be feeling ‘very fit’ and appears desperate to impress new boss Rafa Benitez as he takes to training.
Twitter: #JPG25 #EFC #PreSeason21 #UTT https://t.co/w3pbJc19iS (@ToffeeTVEFC)
The squad, excluding those on international duty, returned to USM Finch Farm on Monday morning for their first pre-season training session under the new Toffees tactician.
Read Everton Verdict
Having failed to impact first-team plans, Gbamin’s tale at Everton is one of abject disappointment in an unfortunate spell ruined by injury.
His persistent absence from the squad is a double-edged sword; as much as some fans may feel his bit-part role makes him a redundant asset, the old cliché that Gbamin will be like a new signing rings true.
As something of an unknown quantity at Everton, there is every chance Gbamin could impress if he is able to shrug off his injury-driven malaise at Goodison Park.
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