Everton manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that winger Yannick Bolasie is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines following the injury sustained against Manchester United recently.
The 27-year-old fell awkwardly under a challenge from Anthony Martial in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park 12 days ago and was initially told that he would spend the remainder of the campaign on the sidelines.
Bolasie has now taken the first step on his road to recovery by undergoing surgery, but the £30m summer signing must now wait a further two months before going under the knife for a second time to rectify the ligament damage, with some reports suggesting that he will face around 12 months on the sidelines.
"He had his first surgery yesterday," Koeman told reporters. "The surgery was about his meniscus, and now he has to wait for nine to 10 weeks before surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament. He will be out for a long time."
Everton have been linked with a number of players since losing Bolasie to injury, including Manchester United duo Memphis Depay and Ashley Young.