Marco Silva says it is ‘possible’ Andre Gomes could play for Everton again this season.
Gomes underwent surgery on a fracture dislocation to his right knee following a foul by Son Heung-min during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Tottenham last weekend.
The Portugal international will spend a few weeks convalescing at home before undertaking rehabilitation, from which he is expected to make a full recovery.
But Silva remains hopeful that Gomes can again feature for Everton before the end of the campaign despite being one of two long-term casualties at the club.
He said: “It’s not easy to give a sure date about when he will return.
“What’s in our mind, and the feedback I have from our medical staff, is that it’s possible we will see Andre playing again this season.
“After the surgery and after all the examinations they did, everything went really well and we hope we can see again Andre playing this season.
“It’s not something we are 100% sure about, but we have good possibilities to do that.”
The Everton manager faces a midfield selection headache for Saturday’s trip to Southampton with Gomes joining Jean-Philippe Gbamin on the sidelines.
Matters have been further compounded by Fabian Delph becoming a doubt for the game St Mary’s, leaving only Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin available.
“It’s normal to have Tom in a good level, playing a good level. Morgan already showed as well his quality this season in the games he played,” added Silva.
“They know I have full confidence in these players as well. Of course we are stronger if we have all of them like all the teams in the world.
“But we have full confidence in all of them and football is like that. When you have your chance, you have to show you are able to play in your best level.
“Tom did that in the last few games and Morgan will do that for sure.”