This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Everton assistant Joao Pedro Sousa has backed Andre Gomes to come back stronger after his terrible injury against Tottenham Hotspur.

What did he say?

Gomes is set for many months on the sidelines following the events that unfolded last week. The initial tackle from Son Heung-min and the collision that followed from Serge Aurier caused the nasty ankle fracture.

Sousa has praised Gomes for his "unique" ability and believes the Portugal international will indeed come back stronger.

"I have already spoken to André Gomes and take the opportunity to send him a hug," he told Record (cited by Sport Witness).

"We exchanged a few messages. Fortunately, he is well. He is a champion, a unique player, a fantastic person. I am sure he will recover quickly and will be a better player than he was, if at all possible."

Come back stronger

Gomes was one of Everton's standout players prior to his injury. The former Barcelona man played in the club's last two Premier League wins, and his importance was shown in between those games as Everton lost four in a row without him. In those two wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United, the 26-year-old put in a 7.07 rating on both occasions, as he controlled the midfield.

Now, he must keep a strong mind and push himself through rehabilitation with his best years perhaps still yet to come.

Marco Silva did, however, state that Gomes could come back into the side this season. He told reporters (as quoted by BBC Sport): "Everything went really well and we hope we can see him playing again this season," said the Everton boss.

Gomes certainly is a unique player, who at the age of 26 can still come back much stronger before his peak years.

He is an incredibly elegant and creative player on his day, and everybody will certainly be hoping his ankle makes a full recovery.