Everton manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that Yannick Bolasie could be on the sidelines for an entire year with a knee injury.

The 27-year-old was already expected to miss the rest of the season after damaging a cruciate ligament and meniscus during the Toffees’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United on December 4.

However, after having surgery last month, the timeline of Bolasie’s recovery has extended, with Koeman suggesting that he could be unavailable for a year.

During the club’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, the Dutch coach delivered the update.

“It is a long-term injury – 10, 11, 12 months. He will come back, he has a strong mentality.”

It is a huge blow to both the player and Everton as he was impressing on the wing following a £28m summer switch from Crystal Palace.

Bolasie, who made 13 Premier League appearances before getting struck down with the injury, will now require a second operation before beginning the long road to recovery.

In his absence, the Toffees currently sit seventh in the league table on 30 points.

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