Sam Allardyce provides fitness update on Everton defender Eliaquim Mangala

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Everton are set to be without Manchester City loanee Eliaquim Mangala for the rest of the season.

Sam Allardyce has confirmed to the Liverpool Echo that Everton defender Eliaquim Mangala will be out for longer than originally expected.

There was some hope that Mangala could have come back into Everton’s team before the end of the season.

However, it seems that the centre-back has now played his last game for the club.

Allardyce confirmed: “Mangala will be out for a bit longer than first feared. Man City want us to rehabilitate him so we’ll do that. It’s highly unlikely we’ll see him again this season.”

Mangala was only brought to Everton on loan from Manchester City in January, and made just two appearances.

The French defender struggled against Arsenal on debut, and then picked up a knee injury in a 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Mangala was expected to add solidity to Everton’s back-line, but Allarydce will now have to look to other options.

It seems likely that the returning Ramiro Funes-Mori could now play a big role for Everton for the remainder of the campaign.

Everton are next in action at the weekend, when they take on Burnley.