Everton have confirmed that Orel Mangala is out for the rest of the season.
Mangala was a late departure during last weekend’s win at Brighton, forcing the visitors to see out the remainder of the game with 10 men on the pitch.
David Moyes admitted after the clash on the South Coast that the Belgian’s setback and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s earlier withdrawal ‘don’t look great’.
It has now been confirmed that Mangala suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee damage as a result of his injury setback at the Amex Stadium.
Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, is facing several weeks out after picking up a hamstring problem that saw him bowing out just 13 minutes into the contest.
Mangala, who arrived at Goodison Park on a straight loan from Lyon, sent a message following his season-ending news on social media.
He said: “Thank you for all the messages of support – it is hard news to take.
“Believe with God on my side, I will be back soon and stronger than ever before!”