Ramiro Funes Mori suffers a devastating setback in his recovery from a knee injury, meaning Everton will be without him for most of the upcoming season.
Last week, we reported on how Ramiro Funes Mori had suffered a setback in his recovery from injury. At the time, Everton understood they could face a lengthy spell without him.
Unfortunately for both the player and the team this has now been confirmed, with Funes Mori suffering another setback in his recovery from a torn meniscus. As reported by The Guardian‘s Andy Hunter, he has undergone more surgery in Barcelona, after complications in his rehabilitation.
As a result, the 26-year-old will now require an extended rehab period. This period is expected to last a minimum of between six and nine months, meaning he will effectively miss the entire 2017/18 season.
More from Prince Rupert's Tower
- Everton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeat
- Further chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 Partners
- Everton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on Sunday
- More madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 Partners
- Everton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions
This is understandably a blow for the Blues, as Funes Mori was expected to play a bigger role in the team this season. Since coming to Merseyside, he has established a reputation as a physical, no-nonsense player, who is strong in the air. (Just the type of player you know the likes of Ronald Koeman and Duncan Ferguson appreciate.)
The Argentinian international first joined Everton in September 2015, for £9.5 million. During his debut season with the team, he made an immediate impression, with 37 total appearances and the bonus of five goals in all competitions.
During Koeman’s first season in charge, Funes Mori played in 26 games, before suffering his knee ligament injury. The injury was sustained in March this year, while he was on duty for Argentina.
With this latest setback for the former River Plate player, Everton have some major thinking to do. As previously speculated by Paul Joyce of The Times, the Toffees will now likely be on the lookout for a left-footed defender.
Next: 3 takeaways from Everton's 3-0 win versus FC Twente
With Funes Mori now definitely sidelined long-term, who would you like to see the Blues make a move for? We know Jairo Riedewald is no longer available, so who else do you have in mind, to provide cover on the left side of defence? Share your thoughts in the comments section.