Jean-Philippe Gbamin is getting closer to full fitness for Everton.

The Everton midfielder has missed the majority of the campaign with a quadriceps injury, and in February had surgery on the issue which was initially picked up in August - having played just 135 minutes for his new club.

Everton physio Adam Newall told the club's website: “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.

“The intention is to have a three-week period of reintegration [when Gbamin will train outdoors following the players' return to Finch Farm], then we expect him to start joining the squad for training sessions."