Everton defender Eliaquim Mangala may be out for the rest of the season following a “significant knee injury”, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claims that the 27-year-old could miss the rest of the campaign after sustaining an injury blown the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
It is understood the centre-back picked up the blow when he fell awkwardly and there is a concern that he has suffered damage to his ligaments.
The report details that medical staff will continue to assess him, but the worst case scenario is that the Frenchman will be on the sidelines until next season.
Mangala only moved to Goodiosn Park in the January transfer window on loan from Manchester City and may have played his last game for Everton.
The left-sided centre-back made two appearances for the Toffees, with his debut coming in the 5-1 thrashing away to Arsenal.
OPINION
Mangala’s injury blow is massive for Everton and it would be dreadful news if he is ruled out for the rest of the season. The ball-playing defender has not had the chance to really showcase himself in front of the Toffees supporters, but he is definitely an upgrade on some of their other centre-back options. Everton’s backline has been a problem all season for them and Allardyce was delighted when the club managed to add Mangala on loan. He left the Etihad Stadium in search of regular first-team football and will be devastated with a potential major setback. Ashley Williams could be in line to replace him in the starting XI, but his form has dropped off considerably recently.