Funes Mori likely done for the season

There’s never a good time for injuries, and even less so towards the end of the season when clubs are jostling for spots at the top of the table. Everton will now have to do without two key defenders as Ramiro Funes Mori will join Seamus Coleman out with long term injuries.

Funes Mori was carried off with what looked like a knee injury in the first half of Argentina’s loss at Bolivia yesterday. Tests carried out today indicated that he has a meniscus tear and will require surgery, which could mean at least two months out.

Argentine media source Varsky Sports reported late on Wednesday -

“Another bad news: FM suffered meniscus break, it will be operated on Tuesday and will be at least 2 months without playing”

Everton entered the season with only three recognized centerhalves, club captain Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams and Funes Mori. Youngster Mason Holgate has deputized at the position as well as covered the right back slot. With Coleman also out, it’s likely Ronald Koeman will have to look at youngsters Jonjoe Kenny and Matthew Pennington to step up into the breach as well.

Funes Mori wasn’t playing well recently and had been replaced by Jagielka, who had had a terrible holiday season and was replaced himself by the Argentine. Everton face two huge games coming up against Liverpool and Manchester United and Koeman will be racking his brains trying to work out whether to play a back-three or continue with a four-man backline and deputize additional midfielders for cover.