313 days later... Seamus Coleman returns

The right-back suffered the injury in a challenge with Wales defender Neil Talyor on international duty back on March 24th 2017. The severity of the injury was immediately clear, with various players visibly upset by what they witnessed.

Now, 'Toffees' boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed that the Irishman could make his first-team return against Leicester after playing almost an hour for Everton's U23 side against Portsmouth U23s last week.

Allardyce was naturally delighted by Coleman's return to fitness, with the defender considered one of the best attacking right-backs in the Premier League.

"He's training regularly and is in the squad for Wednesday," Allardyce said at his pre-match press conference.

"Touch wood from here on in he can have an injury-free run until the end of the season. He's a very important player and needs [game] time".

However, the Everton boss warned that the fans will need to be patient with the 29-year-old, as with winger Yannick Bolasie who has also recently returned from a lengthy spell out.

"If and when he does play he needs time, he's been out for an awful long time as is the same with Yannick. He's had such a long period of time out he can't be expected to hit his top form immediately," Allardyce explained.

"But it's very important to have him back with his influence not just as a player but as a person and a human being."

Finally, Allardyce hailed Coleman's dedication, saying: "He reminds me of the dedication that’s needed in the game at all levels. When I’ve seen him, he’s never been that miserable, he’s not been moping around - all he’s been enquiring about is, ‘What can I do to get fit? What more can I do?’. That’s a credit to him."

 

24 March 2017