Having missed nearly four months after getting injured almost straight away with Exeter City, the loanee is now starting to impress
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For any footballer, the sight of an injury layout is a daunting one. But especially when you have just joined a new club.
Carlos Mendes Gomes joined Exeter City on deadline day at the start of September on a season-long loan move from Bolton Wanderers. He made his debut as a substitute at Rotherham United – but in training the following week suffered a setback.
The 27-year-old suffered an abductor muscle injury which required surgery and ruled him out for a period initially thought to be three months, but ended up being slightly longer.
He had become almost a forgotten man having missed more than four months of action before finally returning to the pitch in December.
He may not have started yet for Gary Caldwell’s side, but a series of impressive performances off the bench have meant that his start to his time in Devon has been a good one – even if it was months later than hoped.
“It wasn’t easy,” Mendes Gomes admitted, reflecting on the moment he realized the severity of his injury. “As soon as I knew the severity, I had to set my mind right as there was nothing I could do at that point.”
Carlos Mendes Gomes of Exeter City during the EFL League One Match between Rotherham United and Exeter City at The Aesseal New York Stadium Stadium on 6 September 2025 in Rotherham, England (Photo by Steve Taylor/PPAUK)(Image: Steve Taylor/PPAUK)
The initial weeks were spent away from the training ground, find solace in family life before the “slog” of the gym began to try and get back to action as quickly as possible.
He added: “A few weeks staying at home with family helped me. Once I was in the gym, it was all about getting back as soon as possible. It’s been a long journey; I had to do a lot of gym work to make sure I got my body right. I’ve been there before, so I knew the journey wasn’t going to be easy, but I’m glad I’ve overcome that and I’m here now.
“I want to work hard off the pitch, do everything right to stay as fit as possible, and then the football will take care of itself.”
Mendes Gomes returns to an Exeter side that is currently finding its rhythm. Three wins from four over the festive period, and four from the last six have seen City climb up to 15th in League One – even if only five points separate ninth to 21 st in a ridiculously tight table.
Only one side have conceded fewer goals than the Grecians, and with a massive clash against Huddersfield on the horizon, the winger is confident that the Grecians’ momentum can carry them through a demanding schedule, for what will be a fourth game in ten days.
Gary Caldwell Manager of Exeter City and Carlos Mendes Gomes of Exeter City during the Sky Bet League 1 match between AFC Wimbledon and Exeter City at The Cherry Red Records Stadium, London on 29 December 2025 (Photo: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)(Image: Alan Stanford/PPAUK)
“We are on a great run and want to take that momentum to Huddersfield,” he said. “We have a brilliant squad and can do something special. It’s all about sticking together. Any team in League One will be a tough game, and to win, you have to be better than the opposition.
“As a player, you want to play every game. That’s the case with me as well. Hopefully, I can be in the starting eleven and show everyone what I can do. I’m just glad to be back helping the boys. That was my main focus.”