Everton manager Marco Silva has defended injured midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin and says fans should be patient with him. The Ivory Coast international penned a long-term deal with Everton when he joined the club in the summer.
The Toffees spent £25million to bring him from Mainz in the Bundesliga to the Premier League having received rave reviews during his time on the continent.
His debut came in their opening day 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace as he was half time subsite for Andre Gomes.
He was then rewarded with his first start for the 1-0 win at home to Watford a week later but that would prove to be his last appearance for the Merseyside club.
Gbamin was initially ruled out of action for two months after suffering a thigh injury while taking a shot during training.
However, he then underwent surgery earlier this month and the diagnosis was more serious, meaning he will be out for a period of three months.
It has evidently been a very frustrating start to life in the Premier League for the 24-year-old who was one of seven first-team signings Marco Silva made.
However, Silva, fresh from a much-needed 2-0 win against West Ham at the weekend, says everyone must remain patient with him. “He is an optimist but, of course, the injury is not a good thing. I spoke with him before the surgery to give him all my support,” Silva told the Echo. “It is tough for him but he is an optimist and we are here to support him and get him ready as soon as possible. But, now you know, we have to be patient.”
Gbamin spent three seasons in Germany with Mainz before making the move to Everton in the summer.
Before that, he started his career with Lens in Ligue 1 and played youth football for France before switching allegiance to the Ivory Coast.
COMMENTS