Eliaquim Mangala was recruited by Everton in the January transfer window as an option in defence.

The Merseyside outfit signed the 26-year-old from Manchester City on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Frenchman made just two appearances before he was struck down with a knee injury.

The damaging moment came just 45 minutes into Everton’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League earlier this month.

Mangala required surgery to rectify the problem, but it remains unknown whether or not the defender will return to parent club City or work his way back to fitness at Goodison Park.

After going under the knife, the Frenchman took to Instagram to post a picture from his hospital bed and provide fans with an update.

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Everton supporters were desperate for the club to sign a new left-back in the January window, but instead, manager Sam Allardyce brought in left-footed Mangala.

Now, though, the experienced coach will have to cope with the squad he currently has.