Everton midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin is said to be nearing a return to training having missed the majority of the season through injury.
The Ivory Coast international joined the Toffees from Bundesliga side Mainz 05 last summer, but only managed two Premier League appearances before suffering a thigh injury.
However, Gbamin has reportedly impressed while working under physiotherapist Adam Newall, and could be back to full training in the near future.
Speaking to the official Everton website, Newall said: "He is working tirelessly to get back and sometimes I have to rein him in a little bit.
"We are pleased with where he's at in his recovery. With the surgery he had, the idea is to slowly increase the flexibility in the muscle and progressively ramp up its strength.
"Once you're happy with those parameters - which we are now - we can increase function. If we were back at Finch Farm this week, he'd be ready to build on his outside rehab with the physios.
"Therefore, we are slowly introducing sports-specific movements this week. He is extremely positive and looking forward to mixing with the lads and pushing to be back in training."
Gbamin played the full 90 minutes in Everton's 1-0 victory against Watford in August prior to his injury.
Ben Knapton
