Koeman: Bolasie a big loss

Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits the loss of Yannick Bolasie to a serious knee injury a big blow to the club.

Bolasie is set to miss the remainder of the season after sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury in a challenge with Anthony Martial during Everton's 1-1 draw with Manchester United last weekend.

The 27-year-old winger is seeking a second opinion but is expected to undergo surgery to repair the torn ligament next week and is likely to be sidelined for several months.

Having moved to Everton from Crystal Palace for £25million, Bolasie has been an ever-present in Koeman's team and the manager is in no doubt that he will be a big loss.

"It's a big loss. He's travelling to London to have a second opinion. I think the operation will be next week," Koeman told reporters ahead of Saturday's Premier League game against Watford.

With Bolasie set to miss the remainder of the season, Koeman has confirmed he will be looking to strengthen in January but he has urged other players to step up.

“It’s an opportunity for other players who did not play a lot," he said. “We know we need competition. We need a big squad and everybody at a good level.

"Still we are looking for some good options (in January) maybe the necessity is more than it was before."

Meanwhile, Seamus Coleman looks set to be ready for Saturday's game after coming through training without any issues.

Coleman limped up after 67 minutes of Sunday's game against United and only returned to training on Thursday morning. However, Koeman expects him to be fit for the weekend.

“Seamus is okay,” he said. “He did a normal first training session today. In the beginning to the week he still had some pain but it looks positive. Normally I’d expect him to be available for the match.”

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