Orel Mangala has provided an update on his fitness. The midfielder, on loan at Everton from Lyon, is set to miss the rest of the season with a knee problem.

Mangala hobbled off the pitch during the Blues' 1-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion in January, although scans later confirmed he had suffered a serious issue.

Manager David Moyes initially described the problem as a "bad" one and it was later revealed Mangala had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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The Belgium international looks to have made the first major steps in his long recovery though, sharing an image of himself after surgery on a hospital bed. An accompanying message read: "Surgery was successful - thank you to the medical staff that helped to complete it! Now my recovery begins."

Everton players Jake O'Brien, Jesper Lindstrom and Abdoulaye Doucoure all responded to the Instagram post wishing their team-mate well.

Mangala had been impressive for the Blues before his injury, forming a strong partnership in midfield alongside Idrissa Gueye.

Fortunately for Everton, James Garner returned from his own injury layoff in the Brighton game and he has done a fine job replacing the on-loan Lyon man since.

Moyes has inspired a huge turnaround for the Toffees in recent weeks, as they've won four and drawn one of their last five Premier League games. Mangala started two of those before his layoff, at Brigthon and previously in the 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.