When Everton recalled Joao Virginia from his loan spell at Reading in January, the Portuguese goalkeeper had played just three times for his temporary employers.
His last appearance had arrived more than three months prior and was error-strewn – just like the previous two.
But Virginia’s spell failed to put off either Everton or Reading, who did business over another young player in the summer transfer window.
This time it was the Toffees defender Lewis Gibson, fresh from an impressive stint at League One Fleetwood Town, that moved to the Madejski Stadium on loan.
But six weeks into his latest temporary spell, Gibson has yet to play a single minute of first-team football.
Asked if he was tempted to change that, after back-to-back defeats, the Royals manager Veljko Paunovic told GetReading this week: “There is no temptation in football but I understand the point.
“We always evaluate on a daily basis – especially in these kinds of situations where players are having opportunities.
“I want to make clear when somebody is injured and a spot opens, it’s an opportunity but that doesn’t mean somebody earned it.
“With that said, the level in training and the level in games has to be proven when you have an opportunity and that’s what we’re looking for.
“We will see for Saturday who our best 11 will be and who can help later [as a sub].”
But the reality is that, the longer Gibson goes unused, the more questions Everton are likely to ask.
And if they brought back Virginia after three games, they surely won’t hesitate to recall his 20-year-old teammate after none.
Everton fans – what should the Toffees do with Gibson?
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