Bruno Lage provides positive injury update on Pedro Neto

Bruno Lage was able to give a much anticipated injury update about fan favourite Pedro Neto in his pre-match press conference ahead of Everton.

The winger has been out of action since April 2021 and recent answers about his current status have been vague at best.

But speaking ahead of Monday night’s clash, Lage was able to provide a detailed update on Neto’s recovery, stating that the youngster is well on track and all being well, a return in the New Year is likely.

“Look, the good news is everything is OK with his injury and now he will start to work harder than he has been doing,” Lage said.

“I think maybe to start work with the team, one more month and after that he needs to do the normal pre-season, so two or three weeks to be fit to play in this competition because you know it’s very hard.

“Maybe in the middle of January we can have him in the stadiums to start to play with us.”

The manager also confirmed that club doctor, Dr Rob Chakraverty did travel to Portugal this week to have a specialist consultation with Neto and it’s from he that this information has been received.

“He [Dr. Rob] went to Portugal on Monday or Tuesday and he reported to me that he has started to work hard,” he added.

“From my point of view, maybe he needs five or six weeks to start training with us and then maybe three or four more weeks to start the competition.”