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Henry Onyekuru set to miss several months with injury

By Paul Taylor

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - OCTOBER 18: Henry Onyekuru of RSC Anderlecht in action during the UEFA Champions League group B match between RSC Anderlecht and Paris Saint-Germain at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on October 18, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - OCTOBER 18: Henry Onyekuru of RSC Anderlecht in action during the UEFA Champions League group B match between RSC Anderlecht and Paris Saint-Germain at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium on October 18, 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Despite reports to the contrary, Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru will undergo surgery and is set to miss months with a knee injury.

When Everton loanee Henry Onyekuru suffered a knee injury for Anderlecht last weekend, some speculation indicated he would not require surgery. Unfortunately for the player, this is not the case.

As reported by Sky Sports‘ Lyall Thomas, Anderlecht’s medical team have examined Onyekuru and confirmed their opinion that an operation is inevitable. They are currently in discussions with Everton, but the severity of the injury means he will be out of action for several months.

This is understandably a big blow for both the player and Anderlecht. Onyekuru has been in excellent form so far this season, with nine goals in 19 matches.

In truth, this form is not exactly a surprise. The 20-year-old finished last season as joint-leading goal scorer in Belgian’s top division, with 22 league goals.

It was this production which persuaded Everton to sign Onyekuru during the summer, for £7 million. However, as most Evertonians are aware, he was immediately loaned out to Anderlecht, due to being unable to obtain the appropriate work permit to play in England.

The complications arose after changes to the FA’s work permit regulations for none-EU players, which came into effect during 2015. As a result, the Nigerian international is required to appear in 75 percent of country’s fixtures from the two past years.

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Onyekuru would certainly be an intriguing addition for a Blues team looking for more options up front. He is highly regarded for his versatility and pace.

However, you have to wonder if the forward will ever wear an Everton jersey. Apart from his work permit issues, he is being watched by several teams around Europe.

The Mirror‘s Steve Bates reported interest from Juventus and Atletico Madrid back in October. Meanwhile, the Sun‘s Andrew Richardson claims Manchester United’s and Barcelona’s scouts watched Onyekuru play during November.

Of course, all this in in the future for the former Eupen player, who is only in the first season of a five-year deal with Everton. For now, his main priority will be to recover from his knee injury and return to action.

Next: Blues to step up pursuit for N'Zonzi

Considering the issues with obtaining a work permit, along with interest from other clubs, do you believe Onyekuru will ever play for Everton? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.