Everton player ‘may never play for club again’ after what happened v Brighton
Orel Mangala may never play for Everton again.
According to Belgian news outlet Nieuwsblad (28 January), the midfielder is facing “six months” on the sidelines, thus ending his season at Goodison Park.
Mangala tore the cruciate ligament in his knee during the 1-0 win against Brighton on Saturday (25 January) and until further developments on the situation arise, he has kicked his last ball for the Blues.
David Moyes has a huge Orel Mangala decision to make at Everton
The 26-year-old quickly became a fan favourite at Goodison Park after forging a formidable partnership in central midfield with Idrissa Gueye.
His season-ending injury is a “genuine concern” for David Moyes, and now the Toffees boss must add a central midfielder to the long list of positions to be addressed in the final days of the winter transfer window.
As per The Athletic [28 January], Everton have a long-standing interest in Newcastle United man Sean Longstaff and may be forced to materialise that interest in the coming days.
Moyes does have James Garner to call upon again, with Tim Iroegbunam nearing his return from injury, but the midfield was finally starting to click under the new boss.
Furthermore, the loan deal with Lyon for Mangala doesn’t contain a purchase option, meaning the Toffees will be at the mercy of former prospective owner John Textor should a permanent deal become a topic of discussion.
However, with only half a season of inconsistent game time to base a decision, it may be in the Blues’ best interests to thank Mangala for his efforts and return him to France to begin his lengthy rehabilitation.
In other Everton news, the latest Beto to Roma update drops ahead of a potential Blues exit.
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