Everton suffer major injury blow as Orel Mangala out for six months
Everton loanee Orel Mangala has been ruled out for “at least six months” in a major injury blow, according to Nieuwsblad.
The Belgian news outlet reported on Tuesday (28 January) that he has torn the cruciate ligament in his knee and will need months of rehabilitation before he can step onto the pitch again.
Mangala sustained the injury during the 1-0 win against Brighton on Saturday (25 January) and while the setback is a “genuine concern” for David Moyes, he will now face the rest of the season without one of his star midfield options.
Orel Mangala set to miss the rest of season at Everton
The only positive aspect of the news is that Mangala’s injury timeline emerged during the winter transfer window.
Therefore, Everton can sign an adequate replacement in the remaining days, but the situation is still far from ideal.
Mangala had slowly established himself as a regular starter at Goodison Park and the heartbeat of the Toffees’ midfield.
His impressive displays led Bryan King to urge the Blues to make the loan deal from Lyon permanent, but now the decision holds more weight, with only half a season of football to judge his potential long-term impact on Merseyside.
Although James Garner returned to first-team action on the weekend, the midfield trio of Mangala, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure finally began to click at a pivotal time for Moyes.
The win against Brighton marked the first time Everton recorded consecutive Premier League wins this season, only three matches into Moyes’ second tenure.
Now, the Blues must prepare for the relegation ahead without the reliable Belgian in the engine room.
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