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Fears are growing that Eliaquim Mangala could miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.

The 26-year-old was forced off during the first-half of Everton’s game with Crystal Palace last weekend and may not play again this term.

Mangala underwent a scan the day later but further tests are set to be carried out.

But it is understood that there are increasing concerns that the Blues’ loan signing from Manchester City will be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with fears he has suffered ligament damage.

Sam Allardyce swooped for the left-footed centre-half on deadline day to add balance to Everton’s backline.

But Mangala’s injury may see the Blues boss look to speed up the return to first-team action of Ramiro Funes Mori who has yet to play this season as he recovered from a knee issue.

The Argentina defender has played twice for the club’s under-23s recently and is in Dubai with the rest of the squad this week.