Everton boss Sam Allardyce admits Eliaquim Mangala's knee injury is a long-term setback.
On-loan Manchester City defender Mangala was forced off in the first half of Everton's recent fixture with Crystal Palace and is believed to have damaged ligaments in his knee.
Speaking this week from Everton's warm weather training camp in Dubai, manager Allardyce outlined his fears that Mangala's injury is as serious as first believed.
"The injuries this week were a blow, with Mangala in particular - that looks like it could be long-term, which is a great shame for him and for us because I think he was a very good addition to us," Allardyce told evertontv.