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Andre Gomes is in line to start against Arsenal on Sunday in his first game back since suffering a horror ankle injury.

The midfielder has been sidelined since the beginning of November after sustaining a fracture dislocation of his right ankle in the match with Spurs at Goodison.

Everton initially set Gomes the target of playing again before the end of the season after surgery had gone "extremely well" but his recovery has been rapid.

After returning to training last month, the 26-year-old played in a behind-closed-doors game at Finch Farm on Sunday and Carlo Ancelotti says he is now ready to start at the Emirates this weekend.

“He did well [in the weekend practice match], he played comfortably and without any problems and he is available, in my opinion, to play,” Ancelotti said.

“Of course, I have to speak to him about how he feels after playing his first game following a long time out.

“My personal opinion is he is ready to play.

“When a player has been out for a long period, I think it is better to start the game.

“He can prepare properly, [rather] than to put him on from the bench.

“But I have to speak to him and together we can find a solution.”

Gomes has missed 19 games in all competitions and Ancelotti is relishing the chance to add his "quality" to the team - starting on Sunday.

“He can bring his experience, his quality with the ball, his knowledge about tactics,” said Ancelotti.

“Andre is a top player and we need him.

“And I am sure he can start well.

“It is the right moment for him to come back.

"We are trying to have a really important moment, we have some really important games.

“We are fighting for Europe, this is our goal, to have a player like Andre will make us feel more comfortable.”

Everton are refusing to rule out Theo Walcott despite the winger struggling with the knee problem which forced him off in the first-half against Crystal Palace.

Walcott has yet to return to training but Ancelotti is hoping he can recover in time.