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Everton Academy forward Sam Byrne has broken his leg.

The 20-year-old suffered the “freak” in training on Thursday and now faces an extended spell on the sidelines.

Byrne has already undergone an operation will start his rehabilitation in the coming weeks.

Under-21s coach David Unsworth said: “The boys are all gutted for Sam because they are a close group and he’s a popular member of the squad.

“We will give him all the support he needs and I look forward to having him back amongst us as soon as possible.”

Byrne arrived at Everton from Manchester United in 2014 and has been capped at u-21 level for Republic of Ireland.

The striker scored in the Blues’s second string’s win over Southampton last month and was producing the best form of his Everton career.