Carlo Ancelotti is confident midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin will return from injury “with even more character and personality” and primed to showcase his range of qualities for Everton.

Ivory Coast international Gbamin joined Everton from FSV Mainz last summer but saw his maiden campaign at Goodison Park frustrated by a quadriceps muscle problem, which he sustained after making just two first-team appearances for the Blues.

Following a lengthy rehabilitation programme, he returned to training at USM Finch Farm ahead of the Premier League restart but his hopes of featuring late in the season were dashed by an Achilles injury.

Ancelotti believes Gbamin’s strong mentality will see him return to the first-team fold a more well-rounded person and footballer – as he cited personal experiences in recovering from significant injuries during his playing career.

The Italian overcame serious knee problems to play a central role in AC Milan’s double European Cup-winning team of the late-1980s.

“After Jean-Philippe's first injury, we were so glad when he came back and started training individually,” Ancelotti told evertonfc.com.

“He showed a good condition and we were really sad when he had this new problem.

“Now we hope he is going to be okay and in some time he will be ready again.

“I hope for him this moment can help him be stronger and have even more character and personality.

“This is what happened to me – I was out for two years with injury and I came back with more strength, more mental strength.

“This situation can help Gbamin to be a really strong man.”

Gbamin played 95 matches during his three seasons at previous club Mainz.

The 24-year-old’s mature and authoritative performances for the German side saw him establish a reputation as one of the Bundesliga’s most accomplished midfield talents.

Ancelotti has no doubt Gbamin will be a valuable asset for Everton upon his return to full fitness, and the Blues boss revealed how he is providing support for the Ivorian during his rehabilitation process.

“I have spoken with Jean-Philippe a lot,” said Ancelotti.

“We spent time talking. Some days he was not happy because of what happened, having another injury.

“Mentally it was difficult for him. I told him, ‘Don’t worry, take your time’.

“For him, it is important to take time to recover well and comfortably.

“And of course, I will stay in touch with him.”