Orel Mangala
(Credit: Imago)
Rahul Lakhani
Tue 27 May 2025 9:40, UK
Everton recently confirmed that loanee Orel Mangala will leave Merseyside and return to parent club Olympique Lyonnais.
Mangala has not featured for Everton since January, having sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury midway through his loan spell.
It was an unfortunate injury for the 27-year-old, who was otherwise impressing at Goodison Park, but his future now remains unclear.
With David Moyes electing not to keep the midfielder beyond the end of his loan spell, the Belgian has now given an update on what he hopes to do next season.
Orel Mangala has left Everton (Credit: Imago)
Mangala issues injury update after Everton loan
Mangala has taken to Instagram following the end of his Everton loan, uploading a video in which he opened up on his recovery from injury.
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The midfielder received surgery three months ago for his ligament injury, and is expected to be absent for an extended period.
The video shows Mangala working hard in the gym as he steps up his recovery, but he has also admitted that he is eager to get back onto the pitch.
Stat Mangala
Appearances 21
Goals 1
Yellow cards 2
Mangala’s stats for Everton
“It’s now about three months since my surgery. Things are moving forward right now,” he stated.
“I forgot how the grass smells. I visualise before sleeping, and I can see it, playing again in a full stadium with a good atmosphere.
“It feels good to be sweating again, I think it’s something I’ve been waiting for a long time.
“Stay tuned, and thank you for your support. I see all of your messages. I will be back soon.”
Mangala’s frustrating Everton loan
Mangala made 21 appearances for Everton before his injury, but mostly appeared under Sean Dyche, with Moyes arriving just before he was struck down, and he only made three appearances under the Scot.
The midfielder was very impressive alongside Idrissa Gana Gueye in the middle of the park, and his blend of physicality and intelligence made him a very useful asset.
The Belgian arrived to replace his international teammate Amadou Onana, but his injury ruined his progress at Everton, as he had otherwise become a popular figure.
Had he been fully fit, he could have earned himself a permanent move to Everton, but he will now return to Lyon to complete his recovery, and Moyes will hope to replace him in the summer transfer window.
It was a frustrating loan spell for Mangala, given that he was performing well and on his way to finding a permanent home before being hit with a long-term injury with a difficult recovery process, and Everton fans will be happy to see him eventually return to the pitch, wherever he is.
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