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Beleaguered Everton boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed winger Gerard Deulofeu is likely to miss the rest of the season through injury.
Supporters were left bemused when the Spaniard's name was not included on the teamsheet against Bournemouth on Saturday, especially given the former Barcelona man had performed so well as a substitute against Man Utd the previous weekend.
However, it later emerged that Deulofeu suffered a knee injury in training that will keep him out for a few weeks.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Martinez said:
“Gerard Deulofeu is out for the season. On Friday he got a knock on his knee.
“He doesn’t need an operation, it’s a medial ligament grade one tear. He could maybe have a chance for Norwich but I doubt it.”
On the plus side, Brendan Galloway made his comeback for the U2 1s and could return to the first team before the end of the season.
Galloway hasn't featured since the FA Cup fourth round win at Carlisle on January 31, it later emerging that the former MK Dons youngster had been suffering from a knee injury of his own.
However, the 21-year-old played 90 minutes against Chelsea U21s on Monday to put himself in contention for a senior recall.
With Phil Jagielka out for the season and Ramiro Funes Mori still suspended, Galloway could even return to the side against champions-elect Leicester at the King Power Stadium next Saturday.