Sean Dyche addresses Andre Gomes injury latest as Everton midfielder 'pushing' amid frustrations

Andre Gomes remains unavailable as he continues to deal with a calf injury.

The midfielder played a part in Everton’s pre-season, earning minutes as Sean Dyche cast an eye over him during summer friendlies.

But his hopes of breaking back into the first team squad after a year in France have been undermined by injury setbacks.

Gomes’ return is not imminent but he is making progress with his rehabilitation and is in his second week of work on the Finch Farm training pitches and growing in strength.

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Gomes is yet to make a competitive appearance under Dyche but was involved during pre-season and named on the bench for the opening game of the Premier League against Fulham. He did not make it onto the pitch and fitness setbacks have since prevented him from having the chance to impress.

The 30-year-old is currently dealing with a calf problem and he is making progress, though is still some way from linking up with the senior squad. Asked about the former Barcelona player’s recovery, Dyche said he was working 'on the grass' and added: “He has been on for about 10 days... he is working hard and pushing himself. At first he had to be very tentative. It’s been really tough for him.”

Dyche said Gomes had been keen to engage with the coaching team since returning from Lille, where he was on loan last season. The Blues boss is keen for Gomes and other long-term absences Seamus Coleman and Dele to return to increase what he termed “in-house competitiveness”.

Coleman, who has played twice for Everton Under-21s as he steps up his recovery from a knee issue, is expected to be