Yannick Bolasie’s injury nightmare has worsened after it emerged that he could be sidelined from Everton action for up to 12 months.
A second-half collision with Anthony Martial during last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United saw Bolasie condemned to miss the rest of the Blues’ season.
Scans confirmed that the DR Congo international suffered medial collateral ligament damage for which he is expected to undergo surgery next week.
Ronald Koeman revealed that Bolasie is set to see a specialist in London to determine full extent of the winger’s lengthy injury lay-off.
He said: “It’s really a big injury for the boy. He had a scan last Monday, and from that scan it became clear it’s the cruciate ligaments.
“Maybe there is something more in his knee but they need to control it now and do a scan again to see about the state of the injury.
“It is a big, big disappointment. It’s a big loss for everybody. First for the player, then for his team-mates and the whole club.
“He’s an important player and it’s a long-term injury. He is important for the team with his pressing and his pace.
“He is travelling to London and will get a second opinion about the operation, which would normally be next week. For everybody it is a big disappointment.”