Carlo Ancelotti says Andre Gomes is available for Everton’s Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday – and it is the “right moment” for the midfielder to return to action after he completed the full 60 minutes of a friendly match two days ago.

Portuguese Gomes has been sidelined since 3 November when he sustained a fracture dislocation of his right ankle playing against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

The 26-year-old’s recovery gathered pace when he reported back to Everton’s USM Finch Farm training headquarters in the middle of last month.

He joined in training with Ancelotti’s first-team squad towards the end of January and on Sunday – 105 days after being injured – participated in a behind-closed-doors fixture.

Gomes could now be poised for a competitive comeback when Everton go to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium this weekend – with manager Ancelotti hinting the former Barcelona player is in contention for a starting role.

“He did well [in the weekend practice match], he played comfortably and without any problems and he is available, in my opinion, to play,” Ancelotti told evertontv.

“Of course, I have to speak to him about how he feels after playing his first game following a long time out.

“My personal opinion is he is ready to play.

“When a player has been out for a long period, I think it is better to start the game.

“He can prepare properly, [rather] than to put him on from the bench.

“But I have to speak to him and together we can find a solution.”

Everton go to Arsenal one position and two points above the 10^th-placed Gunners and with both teams in the pack jostling to qualify for European football.

Ancelotti has won five and drawn two of eight Premier League fixtures since starting his reign with a 1-0 victory over Burnley on Boxing Day.

The Italian, however, is looking forward to having the services of 29-cap, 2016 European Championship winner Gomes at his disposal.

“He can bring his experience, his quality with the ball, his knowledge about tactics,” said Ancelotti.

“Andre is a top player and we need him.

“And I am sure he can start well.

“It is the right moment for him to come back.

"We are trying to have a really important moment, we have some really important games.

“We are fighting for Europe, this is our goal, to have a player like Andre will make us feel more comfortable.”

Everton’s finished for this month’s winter break with a 3-1 home victory over Crystal Palace.

Theo Walcott was forced off with a knee complaint in the first half of that game and goalscorer Bernard was withdrawn with 25 minutes remaining after suffering a minor knock.

Ancelotti is waiting on news of ex-Arsenal attacker Walcott ahead of the meeting with his former club – but Bernard’s knock caused no lasting effect.

“Bernard is training normally,” confirmed Ancelotti.

“Walcott continues to have problems with his knee, he’s not trained.

 “We hope in the next few days he can start to train and be available for the game against Arsenal.

“But until now he did not train.

“The others [who were fit for Palace] are all okay, no problem.”