Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has been sidelined since March 2017.
Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has told The Everton Show that he expects to return to the Toffees squad before the end of the season, as the World Cup in Russia looms.
The 26-year-old centre-back has been sidelined since March after picking up a long-term knee injury while on international duty with Argentina against Bolivia, which has since kept the left footer sidelined.
He underwent surgery in Barcelona back in June to correct the problem, and Sky Sports claimed in the summer that the former River Plate defender would be missing between six and nine months.
Now around the six month mark following his surgery, Funes Mori has confessed that he is almost enjoying being injured as he can see his family more often – but stated he is on the mend and is determined to play before the World Cup.
“It’s been ages since my injury,” Funes Mori said. “I’m feeling better. Day by day, I’m progressing. Hopefully I’ll be able to come back as soon as possible. I had to wear crutches for two months but I’m strong in my head.
“I’m enjoying being injured because it gives me time with my family. Hopefully when I come back I can show him [Allardyce] that I deserve to be in the squad. The World Cup is important, but I have to recover well first. The timing is a good fit.
“To be at the World Cup, I must play for Everton before Argentina.”
Funes Mori, who can play at left-back or in the middle of the defence, has 19 caps for Argentina and is expected to be on their squad list alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.
The Toffees have 16 Premier League matches still to play, with their last match pencilled in for May 5 against Southampton at Goodison Park. Sam Allardyce’s side next face Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley on Saturday evening.
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