Everton midfielder Andre Gomes could make a return this season after undergoing successful ankle surgery following his horrific<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gomes-suffers-horror-ankle-injury-devastated-son-sees-red-as-everton-deny-tottemham-hotspurs-259857"> injury last weekend</a>, manager Marco Silva said on Thursday.

The Portugal international fractured and dislocated his right ankle in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Sunday after landing off balance at speed following a tackle from Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min.

"It's not easy to give a sure date about when he will return, feedback from the medical staff is it is possible we will see him playing again this season," Silva told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Southampton.

"It looks like a really serious injury, but everything went really well and we hope we can see him playing again this season. Of course, we are not sure."

Son was shown a red card, which was later <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-fa-overturn-spurs-striker-sons-red-card-for-tackle-on-evertons-gomes-260237">overturned by the FA</a>, for his part in the incident and was in tears in the dressing room afterwards.

"I think he received a text message from Son," Silva added. "Of course it was the toughest moment for Andre and the other players on the pitch. For the two players involved it was really tough as well."

Everton travel to Southampton, who are looking for their first home win of the season, and Silva said Ralph Hasenhuettl's side will be looking to set the record straight at St. Mary's after a 9-0 humbling by Leicester City in their last home game.

"The last home defeat for them was really tough. They will want to react and show a reaction for their fans," Silva said.

"We want to do the same, to go to compete. After what happened with Andre we showed strong character and we have to do that again in the next match."

Everton midfielder Andre Gomes could make a return this season after undergoing successful ankle surgery following his horrific injury last weekend, manager Marco Silva said on Thursday.

Everton midfielder Andre Gomes could make a return this season after undergoing successful ankle surgery following his horrific injury last weekend, manager Marco Silva said on Thursday. The Portugal international fractured and dislocated his right ankle in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Sunday after landing off balance at speed following a tackle from Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min. "It's not easy to give a sure date about when he will return, feedback from the medical staff is it is possible we will see him playing again this season," Silva told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Southampton. "It looks like a really serious injury, but everything went really well and we hope we can see him playing again this season. Of course, we are not sure." Son was shown a red card, which was later overturned by the FA, for his part in the incident and was in tears in the dressing room afterwards. "I think he received a text message from Son," Silva added. "Of course it was the toughest moment for Andre and the other players on the pitch. For the two players involved it was really tough as well." Everton travel to Southampton, who are looking for their first home win of the season, and Silva said Ralph Hasenhuettl's side will be looking to set the record straight at St. Mary's after a 9-0 humbling by Leicester City in their last home game. "The last home defeat for them was really tough. They will want to react and show a reaction for their fans," Silva said. "We want to do the same, to go to compete. After what happened with Andre we showed strong character and we have to do that again in the next match."

Football: Everton's Gomes could return from ankle injury this season says Marco Silva

Tottenham Hotspur have successfully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-spurs-appeal-son-red-card-for-tackle-on-evertons-gomes-260000">appealed against a red card</a> shown to Son Heung-min for a tackle that led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes breaking his ankle, so the Spurs striker can play in his side's next three games, the FA said on Tuesday.

Gomes suffered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gomes-suffers-horror-ankle-injury-devastated-son-sees-red-as-everton-deny-tottemham-hotspurs-259857">fracture-dislocation</a> to his right ankle in the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park when he landed off balance at speed after the tackle from Son and then collided with Spurs full-back Serge Aurier.

Referee Martin Atkinson initially showed a yellow card but then produced a red card - an automatic three-match ban - after a VAR intervention, with the Premier League stating Son, had endangered Gomes' safety with his initial challenge.

"Son Heung-min will be available for Tottenham Hotspur FC's next three domestic fixtures after an independent Regulatory Commission upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal," the FA said in a statement.

Portugal international Gomes had surgery on Monday, and Everton said afterwards he was expected to make a full recovery.

Spurs' next domestic fixture is a Premier League home game on Saturday against Sheffield United.

Tottenham Hotspur have successfully appealed against a red card shown to Son Heung-min for a tackle that led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes breaking his ankle, so the Spurs striker can play in his side's next three games, the FA said on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur have successfully appealed against a red card shown to Son Heung-min for a tackle that led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes breaking his ankle, so the Spurs striker can play in his side's next three games, the FA said on Tuesday. Gomes suffered a fracture-dislocation to his right ankle in the second half of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park when he landed off balance at speed after the tackle from Son and then collided with Spurs full-back Serge Aurier. Referee Martin Atkinson initially showed a yellow card but then produced a red card - an automatic three-match ban - after a VAR intervention, with the Premier League stating Son, had endangered Gomes' safety with his initial challenge. "Son Heung-min will be available for Tottenham Hotspur FC's next three domestic fixtures after an independent Regulatory Commission upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal," the FA said in a statement. Portugal international Gomes had surgery on Monday, and Everton said afterwards he was expected to make a full recovery. Spurs' next domestic fixture is a Premier League home game on Saturday against Sheffield United.

Premier League: FA overturn Spurs striker Son's red card for tackle on Everton's Gomes

Tottenham Hotspur have appealed the red card shown to striker Son Heung-min for the tackle that led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes suffering a horrific ankle injury in their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gomes-suffers-horror-ankle-injury-devastated-son-sees-red-as-everton-deny-tottemham-hotspurs-259857">Premier League match</a> on Sunday, British media have reported.

Gomes suffered a fracture dislocation to his right ankle in the second half of the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park after landing off balance at speed after the tackle from Son and then colliding with Spurs full-back Serge Aurier.

Portugal international Gomes had surgery on Monday and Everton said afterwards he was expected to make a full recovery.

Referee Martin Atkinson showed Son a red card for his tackle on Gomes and the Premier League said after the match that he had been dismissed for "endangering the safety of a player".

Both the BBC and the Guardian reported that Spurs had appealed to the Football Association asking for the red card to be rescinded.

South Korea international Son, who was in tears in the dressing room after the match, will be banned for Tottenham's next three Premier League matches against Sheffield United, West Ham and Bournemouth if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Tottenham Hotspur have appealed the red card shown to striker Son Heung-min for the tackle that led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes suffering a horrific ankle injury in their Premier League match on Sunday, British media have reported.

Tottenham Hotspur have appealed the red card shown to striker Son Heung-min for the tackle that led to Everton midfielder Andre Gomes suffering a horrific ankle injury in their Premier League match on Sunday, British media have reported. Gomes suffered a fracture dislocation to his right ankle in the second half of the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park after landing off balance at speed after the tackle from Son and then colliding with Spurs full-back Serge Aurier. Portugal international Gomes had surgery on Monday and Everton said afterwards he was expected to make a full recovery. Referee Martin Atkinson showed Son a red card for his tackle on Gomes and the Premier League said after the match that he had been dismissed for "endangering the safety of a player". Both the BBC and the Guardian reported that Spurs had appealed to the Football Association asking for the red card to be rescinded. South Korea international Son, who was in tears in the dressing room after the match, will be banned for Tottenham's next three Premier League matches against Sheffield United, West Ham and Bournemouth if the appeal is unsuccessful.

Premier League: Spurs appeal Son red card for tackle on Everton's Gomes

Cenk Tosun's header eight minutes into stoppage time salvaged a 1-1 draw for Everton against Tottenham in a match overshadowed by a broken ankle suffered by Everton midfielder Andre Gomes.

Spurs' Son Heung-min was shown a straight red card for his foul on the Portuguese international, but the injury occurred as Gomes's momentum saw him crash into Serge Aurier.

"It is a bad moment for us as a group and as a team. It's more than a football game, this is the most important thing right now," said Everton manager Marco Silva.

Tottenham led 1-0 at that stage thanks to Dele Alli's strike just after the hour mark.

The injury to Gomes proved a turning point with Son visibly upset even before he was shown a red card.

"He (Son) is devastated and in tears," said Alli. "It's not his fault. Son is one of the nicest people you've ever met. He can't even lift his head up, he's crying so much."

Later Sunday, Everton confirmed the 26-year-old former Barcelona star Gomes had broken his right ankle and will undergo surgery on Monday.

"Everton Football Club can confirm Andre Gomes will undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle injury in today's game with Tottenham Hotspur," the Merseysiders said in a statement.

"After undergoing hospital tests, it was confirmed he had suffered a fracture-dislocation to his right ankle. The club will provide further updates in due course."

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said&nbsp;his club had the utmost sympathy for Gomes.

"We feel very sorry," he said. "Was a really bad situation, very bad luck how he landed in the action.

"We can only send our best wishes and (we are) devastated for the situation."

However,&nbsp;Pochettino believed the red card shown to Son was harsh, particularly as referee Martin Atkinson had first produced a yellow card prior to seeing Gomes's injury.

"I cannot agree with the red card of Sonny," added&nbsp;Pochettino.

"VAR must help the referee, I don't know what is going on and what happens with this tool. Rather than help the referee it is creating more confusion."

Both managers were left frustrated at the use of VAR as both sides saw a strong penalty claim turned down in the second half despite a lengthy delay to review the incidents.

Poor starts&nbsp;

First Tottenham was denied as Son was upended by Yerry Mina with the score at 0-0 and then, after Alli opened the scoring, the England midfielder escaped unpunished from a handball inside his own box.

"I think the referee needs to go to the screen and check like in other leagues. It's the referee that needs to take the decision not the VAR from I don't know where," said&nbsp;Pochettino.

A point does little to improve a poor start to the season for either side with Everton still hovering just one place above the relegation zone, while Spurs remain in the bottom half in 11th with 13 points from their first 11 games.

Tottenham hit the Toffees for six on their last visit to Goodison Park last December, but their fall off in form over the past year was in evidence in a dismal first 45 minutes in which neither side threatened to open the scoring.

Spurs badly missed the absent Harry Kane through illness but were gifted the opener when Alex Iwobi handed possession to Son and the South Korean fed Alli to fire past England international teammate Jordan Pickford.

Son's joy soon turned to anguish when he slid on Gomes 12 minutes from time as he had to be consoled by players from both sides when he saw the extent of Gomes's injury.

Everton still struggled to make their man advantage count in what proved to be the final 24 minutes with 12 minutes added due to the VAR reviews and medical attention for Gomes.

But Tosun was in the right place to power home an equaliser and deny Tottenham a first away win in the Premier League since January.

Cenk Tosun's header eight minutes into stoppage time salvaged a 1-1 draw for Everton against Tottenham in a match overshadowed by a broken ankle suffered by Everton midfielder Andre Gomes.

Cenk Tosun's header eight minutes into stoppage time salvaged a 1-1 draw for Everton against Tottenham in a match overshadowed by a broken ankle suffered by Everton midfielder Andre Gomes. Spurs' Son Heung-min was shown a straight red card for his foul on the Portuguese international, but the injury occurred as Gomes's momentum saw him crash into Serge Aurier. "It is a bad moment for us as a group and as a team. It's more than a football game, this is the most important thing right now," said Everton manager Marco Silva. Tottenham led 1-0 at that stage thanks to Dele Alli's strike just after the hour mark. The injury to Gomes proved a turning point with Son visibly upset even before he was shown a red card. "He (Son) is devastated and in tears," said Alli. "It's not his fault. Son is one of the nicest people you've ever met. He can't even lift his head up, he's crying so much." Later Sunday, Everton confirmed the 26-year-old former Barcelona star Gomes had broken his right ankle and will undergo surgery on Monday. "Everton Football Club can confirm Andre Gomes will undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle injury in today's game with Tottenham Hotspur," the Merseysiders said in a statement. "After undergoing hospital tests, it was confirmed he had suffered a fracture-dislocation to his right ankle. The club will provide further updates in due course." Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said his club had the utmost sympathy for Gomes. "We feel very sorry," he said. "Was a really bad situation, very bad luck how he landed in the action. "We can only send our best wishes and (we are) devastated for the situation." However, Pochettino believed the red card shown to Son was harsh, particularly as referee Martin Atkinson had first produced a yellow card prior to seeing Gomes's injury. "I cannot agree with the red card of Sonny," added Pochettino. "VAR must help the referee, I don't know what is going on and what happens with this tool. Rather than help the referee it is creating more confusion." Both managers were left frustrated at the use of VAR as both sides saw a strong penalty claim turned down in the second half despite a lengthy delay to review the incidents. Poor starts First Tottenham was denied as Son was upended by Yerry Mina with the score at 0-0 and then, after Alli opened the scoring, the England midfielder escaped unpunished from a handball inside his own box. "I think the referee needs to go to the screen and check like in other leagues. It's the referee that needs to take the decision not the VAR from I don't know where," said Pochettino. A point does little to improve a poor start to the season for either side with Everton still hovering just one place above the relegation zone, while Spurs remain in the bottom half in 11th with 13 points from their first 11 games. Tottenham hit the Toffees for six on their last visit to Goodison Park last December, but their fall off in form over the past year was in evidence in a dismal first 45 minutes in which neither side threatened to open the scoring. Spurs badly missed the absent Harry Kane through illness but were gifted the opener when Alex Iwobi handed possession to Son and the South Korean fed Alli to fire past England international teammate Jordan Pickford. Son's joy soon turned to anguish when he slid on Gomes 12 minutes from time as he had to be consoled by players from both sides when he saw the extent of Gomes's injury. Everton still struggled to make their man advantage count in what proved to be the final 24 minutes with 12 minutes added due to the VAR reviews and medical attention for Gomes. But Tosun was in the right place to power home an equaliser and deny Tottenham a first away win in the Premier League since January.

Andre Gomes suffers horror ankle injury, 'devastated' Son Heung-min sees red as Everton deny Tottemham Hotspurs

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hinted the club may appeal against Son Heung-min's red card following the horrific injury suffered by Everton's Andre Gomes in the 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Pochettino,&nbsp;whose side were denied a first away win in the league since January with a late stoppage-time equaliser from Cenk Tosun,&nbsp;blamed VAR for the red card as Son had been initially just booked.

The 26-year-old Portuguese international's injury,&nbsp;a fracture-dislocation to his right ankle which he will have surgery on Monday&nbsp;occurred as his momentum from Son's trip saw him crash into Spurs defender Serge Aurier.

Pochettino,&nbsp;whose side remain in the bottom half in 11th place with 13 points from their first 11 games,&nbsp;expressed his sorrow for Gomes but said a visibly distressed Son had not intended to provoke such an injury.

"It was clear it was never the intention of Son to create the problem that happened afterwards," said Pochettino.

"It is unbelievable to see a red card. In that situation, we need to help because the decision of the referee was a yellow card but the VAR changed the decision.

"It is the latest example of it being not clear. VAR needs to check if it was a bad tackle from Son and judge the action, not what happened after.

"I don't know what will happen now (in terms of an appeal). The club will see if it is possible but what we cannot change is what happened after (the incident)."

The Premier League issued a statement after the game to clarify why the card had been upgraded, in which it said: "The red card for Son was for endangering the safety of a player which happened as a consequence of his initial challenge."

Pochettino expressed his gratitude in the way the Everton players handled the incident and especially the behaviour of the captain Seamus Coleman, who suffered a similar injury in March 2017.

"The players from Everton were fantastic," said Pochettino. "The captain came to the dressing room to console Son.

"I want to say thank you to the players and Coleman, who came in on behalf of the squad of Everton."

Tosun said he and his team-mates could not understand what Gomes was saying.

"Everybody is sad inside. Some players, they nearly cried," said the Turkey international.

"He was in shock, his eyes were open so big. He was like crying, shouting and screaming.

"I just tried to hold him and speak to him. I tried to tell him to stay calm. We couldn't understand him."

Gomes has received plenty of messages of support, ranging from players in the Portugal national team to his former team-mates at Barcelona. Among Premier League players, Dele Alli, who scored Tottenham's goal in the match.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hinted the club may appeal against Son Heung-min's red card following the horrific injury suffered by Everton's Andre Gomes in the 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hinted the club may appeal against Son Heung-min's red card following the horrific injury suffered by Everton's Andre Gomes in the 1-1 draw on Sunday. Pochettino, whose side were denied a first away win in the league since January with a late stoppage-time equaliser from Cenk Tosun, blamed VAR for the red card as Son had been initially just booked. The 26-year-old Portuguese international's injury, a fracture-dislocation to his right ankle which he will have surgery on Monday occurred as his momentum from Son's trip saw him crash into Spurs defender Serge Aurier. Pochettino, whose side remain in the bottom half in 11th place with 13 points from their first 11 games, expressed his sorrow for Gomes but said a visibly distressed Son had not intended to provoke such an injury. "It was clear it was never the intention of Son to create the problem that happened afterwards," said Pochettino. "It is unbelievable to see a red card. In that situation, we need to help because the decision of the referee was a yellow card but the VAR changed the decision. "It is the latest example of it being not clear. VAR needs to check if it was a bad tackle from Son and judge the action, not what happened after. "I don't know what will happen now (in terms of an appeal). The club will see if it is possible but what we cannot change is what happened after (the incident)." The Premier League issued a statement after the game to clarify why the card had been upgraded, in which it said: "The red card for Son was for endangering the safety of a player which happened as a consequence of his initial challenge." Pochettino expressed his gratitude in the way the Everton players handled the incident and especially the behaviour of the captain Seamus Coleman, who suffered a similar injury in March 2017. "The players from Everton were fantastic," said Pochettino. "The captain came to the dressing room to console Son. "I want to say thank you to the players and Coleman, who came in on behalf of the squad of Everton." Tosun said he and his team-mates could not understand what Gomes was saying. "Everybody is sad inside. Some players, they nearly cried," said the Turkey international. "He was in shock, his eyes were open so big. He was like crying, shouting and screaming. "I just tried to hold him and speak to him. I tried to tell him to stay calm. We couldn't understand him." Gomes has received plenty of messages of support, ranging from players in the Portugal national team to his former team-mates at Barcelona. Among Premier League players, Dele Alli, who scored Tottenham's goal in the match.

Tottenham Hotspur consider appeal over Son's red card in Gomes incident

Everton have signed Andre Gomes from Barcelona, both clubs said on Tuesday, after the Portugal midfielder completed a successful loan spell at the Premier League side last season.

"Barcelona and Everton have come to an agreement for the transfer of the Portuguese footballer Andre Gomes. The amount agreed to for the transfer is 25 million euros plus add-ons," said Barca's statement.

"Barcelona would like to publicly thank Andre Gomes for his dedication and commitment, and wishes him the best of luck and success in the future," the statement read.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/evertons-gomes-hit-with-three-match-ban-after-accepting-fa-charge-210986&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiDs-6O24bjAhWTMN4KHcNxDtcQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iIqpfHfPWOqrobThjJzuJ">Gomes</a>, 25, endured a disappointing two years at Barca following a move from Valencia in 2016 for an initial fee of 35 million euros, making only six La Liga starts in his second campaign.

He later revealed his struggles to deal with criticism for his poor performances with Barca, telling magazine Panenka his time at the club had 'turned into a bit of a hell' and on occasions, he did not want to leave his house.

"I'm really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn’t hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I’m very happy to have made it,” Gomes told Everton's official television channel.

“Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here,'' Gomes said.

Gomes was the second player to leave Barca on Tuesday after reserve team player Marc Cardona was sold to promoted La Liga side Osasuna for 2.5 million euros.

Everton have signed Andre Gomes from Barcelona, both clubs said on Tuesday, after the Portugal midfielder completed a successful loan spell at the Premier League side last season.

Everton have signed Andre Gomes from Barcelona, both clubs said on Tuesday, after the Portugal midfielder completed a successful loan spell at the Premier League side last season. "Barcelona and Everton have come to an agreement for the transfer of the Portuguese footballer Andre Gomes. The amount agreed to for the transfer is 25 million euros plus add-ons," said Barca's statement. "Barcelona would like to publicly thank Andre Gomes for his dedication and commitment, and wishes him the best of luck and success in the future," the statement read. Gomes, 25, endured a disappointing two years at Barca following a move from Valencia in 2016 for an initial fee of 35 million euros, making only six La Liga starts in his second campaign. He later revealed his struggles to deal with criticism for his poor performances with Barca, telling magazine Panenka his time at the club had 'turned into a bit of a hell' and on occasions, he did not want to leave his house. "I'm really happy to sign the contract with Everton – it wasn’t hard to decide, it was an easy decision and I’m very happy to have made it,” Gomes told Everton's official television channel. “Last year was a really good experience for me. I just wanted to feel part of something special and I found it here,'' Gomes said. Gomes was the second player to leave Barca on Tuesday after reserve team player Marc Cardona was sold to promoted La Liga side Osasuna for 2.5 million euros.

Everton sign Andre Gomes on permanent deal from Barcelona

Everton midfielder Andre Gomes was suspended for three matches on Tuesday after accepting a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct.

Gomes, on loan from Barcelona, appeared to stamp on Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in Everton's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The incident in the 95th minute of the match was missed by referee Lee Probert, but was caught by the FA after a review of video evidence.

Gomes will miss Everton's league games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Burnley.

The 25-year-old will be eligible to return for the Merseyside club against Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the league campaign on May 12.

Everton midfielder Andre Gomes was suspended for three matches on Tuesday after accepting a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct. Gomes, on loan from Barcelona, appeared to stamp on Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in Everton's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Everton midfielder Andre Gomes was suspended for three matches on Tuesday after accepting a Football Association (FA) charge of violent conduct. Gomes, on loan from Barcelona, appeared to stamp on Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in Everton's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The incident in the 95th minute of the match was missed by referee Lee Probert, but was caught by the FA after a review of video evidence. Gomes will miss Everton's league games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Burnley. The 25-year-old will be eligible to return for the Merseyside club against Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the league campaign on May 12.

Everton's Gomes hit with three-match ban after accepting FA charge

Portugal&#39;s coach Fernando Santos will leave his final decision on team selection for the quarter-final clash against Poland until today morning because of injuries to at least two players, he told reporters. 
 
Speaking on the eve of the game in Marseille, Santos also said he viewed the two sides as evenly matched which could result in a tight, defensive contest. 
 
&quot;There are some players who aren&#39;t 100 per cent fit so we&#39;ll wait until tomorrow to ascertain whether they are entirely fit or not and if they can play or not,&quot; Santos said. 
 
&quot;Sometimes the players can recover and we still have 24 hours to go.&quot; 
 
Defender Raphael Guerreiro and midfielder Andre Gomes have not trained since Monday and on Wednesday were again not on the pitch with the rest of the squad. 
 
The two sides have met 10 times with their last encounter ending in a goalless draw in 2012 and the omens are that it could be another close game. 
 
Apart from a stunning bicycle kick goal by Switzerland&#39;s Xherdan Shaqiri, the Polish defence has not been breached. 
 
Portugal&#39;s last five European Championship ties have ended in draws after 90 minutes, although they scraped through against Croatia in the last 16 with a 117th minute winner. 
 
&quot;I think it&#39;s a 50-50 match. My players know that. They (Poland) are here on their own merit,&quot; Santos said. 
 
Asked if it could be similar to the Croatia clash, Santos lauded Poland&#39;s defensive unity and collective spirit. 
 
&quot;Of course, it will be a game of a lot of strategy. Sometimes there is a Gordion Knot that you can&#39;t untie,&quot; he said, referring to the mythological legend used as a metaphor for a difficult problem. 
 
&quot;There will be a strong strategic component to this game, because if you concede four goals nobody can ensure you can score five,&quot; he quipped. 
 
Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo struggled against Croatia producing one shot, but Santos defended his &quot;amazing&quot; captain. 
 
&quot;We want to strike a balance, of course. We want Ronaldo to shoot on target 15 times and score 10 goals, but our opponents won&#39;t let us and that&#39;s part of the game,&quot; Santos said. 
 
There have also been concerns over the Stade Velodrome pitch, but Santos, whose country lost to France in the 1984 European Championship semi-final in Marseille, said it looked better than expected. 
 
&quot;We&#39;ve thought about the match here in 1984, but we played against France so you can&#39;t compare the two. It&#39;s apples and oranges,&quot; he said. 
 
(Reuters)

The two sides have met 10 times with their last encounter ending in a goalless draw in 2012

Portugal's coach Fernando Santos will leave his final decision on team selection for the quarter-final clash against Poland until today morning because of injuries to at least two players, he told reporters. Speaking on the eve of the game in Marseille, Santos also said he viewed the two sides as evenly matched which could result in a tight, defensive contest. "There are some players who aren't 100 per cent fit so we'll wait until tomorrow to ascertain whether they are entirely fit or not and if they can play or not," Santos said. "Sometimes the players can recover and we still have 24 hours to go." Defender Raphael Guerreiro and midfielder Andre Gomes have not trained since Monday and on Wednesday were again not on the pitch with the rest of the squad. The two sides have met 10 times with their last encounter ending in a goalless draw in 2012 and the omens are that it could be another close game. Apart from a stunning bicycle kick goal by Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri, the Polish defence has not been breached. Portugal's last five European Championship ties have ended in draws after 90 minutes, although they scraped through against Croatia in the last 16 with a 117th minute winner. "I think it's a 50-50 match. My players know that. They (Poland) are here on their own merit," Santos said. Asked if it could be similar to the Croatia clash, Santos lauded Poland's defensive unity and collective spirit. "Of course, it will be a game of a lot of strategy. Sometimes there is a Gordion Knot that you can't untie," he said, referring to the mythological legend used as a metaphor for a difficult problem. "There will be a strong strategic component to this game, because if you concede four goals nobody can ensure you can score five," he quipped. Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo struggled against Croatia producing one shot, but Santos defended his "amazing" captain. "We want to strike a balance, of course. We want Ronaldo to shoot on target 15 times and score 10 goals, but our opponents won't let us and that's part of the game," Santos said. There have also been concerns over the Stade Velodrome pitch, but Santos, whose country lost to France in the 1984 European Championship semi-final in Marseille, said it looked better than expected. "We've thought about the match here in 1984, but we played against France so you can't compare the two. It's apples and oranges," he said. (Reuters)

Portugal sweating on injuries ahead of Poland clash

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