Yannick Bolasie is facing a year on the sidelines after Ronald Koeman admitted the Everton winger's injury is worse than first feared.
It was initially expected Bolasie, Everton's £30million club-record signing, would miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his cruciate ligament during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Bolasie was examined by two of Everton's medical staff after his 63rd minute collision with Anthony Martial but was not substituted until the 68th minute. He underwent scans immediately after the game at Goodison Park.
He was given the hammer blow on Monday morning at Finch Farm, after further tests, that he would not kick another ball for Everton this season but it now seems it will be this time in 2017 before he is at match fitness again.