Yannick Bolasie took another significant step towards returning to the first team, by appearing for the Everton U23s on Monday night.
Everton fans may want to pinch themselves, but things have been going well recently. Since the appointment of Sam Allardyce, the team has climbed up to a mid-table position.
While that may not sound like much, it’s significant after a disastrous run of results under former manager Ronald Koeman. And the good news continued on Monday night, when Yannick Bolasie made his long-awaited return to action.
As reported by Nick Lustig of Sky Sports, Bolasie came on as a substitute in the 61st minute, for Everton’s U23s side. It marked his first appearance since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury last December, against Manchester United.
It was a disappointing night for the team as a whole, as they lost 2-1 to Leicester City in the Premier League 2. But Bolasie’s teammates were happy to see him back on the pitch.
As you can imagine, the 28-year-old himself was excited to be back playing again. Speaking to evertonfc.com, he said:
"“Playing again was overwhelming. When I got on I felt good. I knew about two weeks ago I was going to play in this game so it’s good.”More from Injury NewsEverton Injury News vs Fulham: Calvert-Lewin and McNeil blow, defender fitEverton striker search must begin nowInjury blows put Everton survivial hopes in further doubtEverton boss has nightmare scenario if Calvert-Lewin is ruled outEverton Team News vs Manchester City: Coleman extension hint, Townsend return"
Before his injury, the winger appeared to be justifying the reported £25 million the Blues paid for him, with a goal and four assists in 13 Premier League games. And certainly, his return can’t come soon enough for Everton.
Bolasie had previously vowed to return to the first team before the end of this year. For now though, it’s a case of him building on Monday night’s performance.
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Did you get the chance to watch Bolasie play on Monday night against Leicester? Regardless, what kind of impact are you predicting from him when he returns to the Blues’ first team? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.