Yannick Bolasie is facing a year on the sidelines after Ronald Koeman admitted the Everton winger's injury is worse than first feared.

It was initially expected Bolasie, Everton's £30million club-record signing, would miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his cruciate ligament during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Bolasie was examined by two of Everton's medical staff after his 63rd-minute collision with Anthony Martial but was not substituted until the 68th minute. He underwent scans immediately after the game at Goodison Park.

Yannick Bolasie will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury

It now seems it will be this time in 2017 before the ex-Crystal Palace star is at match fitness

BOLASIE DEBUT SEASON Appearances: 13 Goals: 1 Shot accuracy: 30 per cent Chances created: 20 Pass accuracy: 73 per cent Duels won: 47 per cent Yellow/red cards: 2/0 Advertisement

He was given the hammer blow on Monday morning at Finch Farm, after further tests, that he would not kick another ball for Everton this season but it now seems it will be this time in 2017 before he is at match fitness again.

Everton expect Bolasie to undergo surgery at some point next week; he has seen two specialists to determine what damage has been done to his meniscus and medial ligaments, as well as his cruciate.

Koeman said: 'It's really a big injury for the boy. He had a scan last Monday, and from that scan it became clear it's the cruciate ligaments. Maybe there is something more in his knee but they need to control it now and do a scan again to see about the state of the injury.

'It is a big, big disappointment. It's a big loss for everybody. First for the player, then for his team-mates and the whole club. He's an important player and it's a long-term injury. He is important for the team with his pressing and his pace.

Despite trying to play on against United, Bolasie was eventually replaced by Enner Valencia

Marouane Fellaini conceded a late penalty to gift Everton a 1-1 draw in Sunday's game

'He is travelling to London and will get a second opinion about the operation, which would normally be next week. For everybody it is a big disappointment.'

Not only has the injury robbed Koeman of one of the key members of his team, it has also increased the urgency for the club to do business in January as the manager acknowledged his plans have been affected.

Memphis Depay, the out of favour Manchester United winger, is someone Koeman wants to bring to Goodison but any deal is likely to be on loan. The boss is also keen on Morgan Schneiderlin, with whom he worked with at Southampton.

Bolasie had made decent start on Merseyside after being signed by Ronald Koeman for £30m

Everton boss Ronald Koeman admits there is a need to strengthen in the January window

For the moment, the onus will fall on Gerard Deulofeu and Aaron Lennon to fill the void but both players have something to prove to Koeman, having rarely figured so far. Deulofeu has only started three games, Lennon has only started twice in the Premier League.

'It's necessary that we really need to sign somebody in that position,' said Koeman. 'But we are already looking for players to bring in different positions in the team because we think we need to be stronger from January.

'It's an opportunity for other players who did not play a lot. We know we need competition for places and a big squad. It's a big month coming up with a lot of games and we need everybody at a good level.'

Everton could now be forced to make a move for out of favour United winger Memphis Depay