David Moyes confirms major Orel Mangala loan update after Everton blow
Orel Mangal will return to Olympique Lyon from Everton after his injury, David Moyes shared.
The Scotsman revealed that the midfielder will leave the Toffees soon after picking up a season-ending injury in the 1-0 win over Brighton on 25 January.
Moyes disclosed that Mangala is set to fly back to France, where he will be operated on.
Speaking to the media, as relayed by Ben Dinnery on his personal X account [31 January], the manager said: "Mangala will go back. I think we're waiting for the surgeon to clear it. I think he will be operated on in France, as far as we know."
Orel Managal injury a big blow for Everton
The French national had been a pivotal player for the Blues in the current campaign and was a big part of their trio in the engine room.
Mangala had featured in all but one Premier League fixture for the Merseyside outfit this season, highlighting his importance in the squad.
Moyes will evidently need to find a replacement for the 26-year-old in the starting lineup, whether that's among the players he already has or going into the transfer market.
Everton have seen their fortunes turn ever since the Scottish head coach made his return to Goodison Park, but relegation still looks like a possibility for them if they aren't able to sustain their form.
James Garner was back in action at the Amex Stadium, and Moyes could choose to rely on the Englishman for the rest of the season to provide cover in the middle of the park.
The former Manchester United is yet to fulfil his potential at the Merseyside outfit, and his fitness issues will undoubtedly worry the supporters.
While Mangala will no longer play a role at the Toffees this season, he has done enough for them to pursue a permanent transfer next summer.
In other Everton news, Chris Sutton has made a massive prediction ahead of the Leicester game.
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