Covolan was a firm fan favourite during his first spell at the club, so much so that he won the Supporters’ Player of the Season accolade in his first season.

Originally signed by Gary Elphick prior to the 2017/18 season, the 33-year-old was a shining light in a season that saw the team fail to win any of the opening 15 matches in Isthmian League Premier Division.

Since leaving Worthing back in 2019, Covolan has had both National League and EFL experience having featured for the likes of Port Vale, Chesterfield and Torquay United for whom he famously scored an injury time equaliser in the 2021 National League play-off final at Ashton Gate.

The Brazillian shot-stopper spent the 2023/24 campaign at Maidstone United, playing a key role in the Stones’ magical FA Cup run to the Fifth Round and he featured against Worthing in the Play-Off Semi-Final last season. He won the Players’ Player of the Season award at the end of the campaign.

He started this season at National League side Braintree Town, but after his contract expired in early January, he was without a club until signing an emergency short-term deal with Ebbsfleet United for their fixture against York City.

His new boss, Chris Agutter commented, “It’s a huge addition for us”. “With Taylor being out with a long-term injury we’ve been in pursuit of an established alternative goalkeeping option. We’ve got great competition for places across the squad but we felt like we needed to add more competition in goal and Lucas certainly does that.

“He needs no introduction from me in terms of type of a goalkeeper”. “He’s experienced this level, as well as a higher level and he’s been part of sides that have won leagues – he has been in these sorts of situations before.”

“His experience and his quality will be invaluable for us”Chris Agutter

After starting out with the famous Vasco de Gama back in his homeland, Lucas eventually emigrated to Europe in 2014. He initially moved to Spain, where he joined Atlético Rafal, before switching to Alaró for the following season.

He arrived on these shores in 2016 and joined Whitehawk. His game time was limited at the Enclosed Ground and he was subsequently sent out on loan to Lewes.

It wasn’t until he moved down the coast to Worthing and joined the ranks at Woodside Road that he cemented not only a place in the starting Xl but also the hearts of everybody who follows the club. He made 66 appearances for the Rebels between 2017-2019.

Lucas will wear number 33 and is available for selection for tomorrow’s clash with Salisbury.