Everton are facing significant challenges following the news of midfielder Orel Mangala's severe knee injury, which has sidelined him for at least six months. The Belgian international sustained the injury during the club’s recent 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on January 25, 2025, and early reports indicate it is serious enough to end his season.
Mangala was forced to leave the pitch shortly before the final whistle and was later confirmed to have torn his cruciate ligament after undergoing scans. According to Belgian news outlet Nieuwsblad, this injury involves prolonged rehabilitation, meaning he will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign. This development marks a serious blow for manager David Moyes, who has only begun to establish his tactics since taking over at Everton.
Since joining the club on loan from Lyon at the end of the summer transfer window, Mangala quickly became pivotal to Everton’s midfield capabilities. Having made 21 appearances—16 of which were as a starter—and contributing one goal, he developed considerable chemistry with teammates, particularly Idrissa Gueye. The partnership was starting to bear fruit just before this unfortunate setback, leading to two consecutive victories which had raised hopes among fans.
The situation worsened for Everton as this injury adds to the growing list of player problems. Just minutes before Mangala's injury, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin also went down with what is feared to be a hamstring tear. Moyes addressed the media after the Brighton match, expressing concern over both players' conditions. "They don’t look great either of them," he said, indicating the potential severity of both injuries.
For Everton supporters, the injury to Mangala is extremely disheartening, as many viewed him as one of the key figures who could help steer the club away from relegation struggles. Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with one stating the midfielder has become integral to the team's attacking play, serving effectively as the link between defense and offense.
With the transfer window closing soon, addressing Mangala's permanent absence has become urgent for the Toffees. Everton officials have reportedly engaged Lyon to discuss the immediate future of Mangala’s loan, with speculation about whether it would be feasible to bring someone else on board before the deadline. This situation has prompted discussions about potential midfield replacements, including those already on the roster such as James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam, who recently returned from injury.
Despite the obstacles, Everton's current form under Moyes suggests they can perform well against top opponents. The manager has emphasized the need for resilience, stating, "We've had a difficult day and... credit to the players for their commitment under the circumstances." The requisite adjustments to the squad will be more challenging, especially with high-profile injuries occurring so closely together.
Adding to the mix, Everton are considering options for bolstering their midfield, and scouts are reportedly keeping tabs on several targets. One name frequently mentioned is Newcastle United's Sean Longstaff, who could be beneficial to the team’s composure and creativity moving forward.
On the horizon, Mangala's potential future remains uncertain. Everton do not have an immediate option within his loan agreement to turn it permanent, which hinders any chance of retaining his contributions upon recovery. With only half of the prior season as evidence of his performance, decisions surrounding his long-term future could become more complex if he isn't able to return to the pitch effectively after recovery.
The need to pivot quickly from the setbacks inherent to Mangala’s injury emphasizes the urgent reality facing Moyes and his squad. Everton fans are hopeful for potential signings but are also grappling with the loss of key individuals who had begun to showcase promise on the field.
Mangala’s injury, compounded by Calvert-Lewin's absence, forces Everton to strategize new formations and tactics—even as the Premier League race continues to escalate. With their recent encouraging performance, the moment to adapt will be pivotal as the squad is tested by these challenges.
While the club will look to bring new talent, they must also prioritize the health and fitness of current players upon their return. For now, the focus remains on recovering from this significant blow as the Toffees hope to navigate their way through the remainder of the season without their dynamic midfielder.