Seamus Coleman has admitted he 'feared the worst' when he was stretchered off during Everton's draw with Leicester City earlier this month.
The 34-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, was taken off on a stretcher after sustaining a knee injury in a challenge by Boubakary Soumare at the end of the first-half. Everton would go on to draw the game 2-2 at the King Power.
Initial fears were that the Republic of Ireland international had suffered a serious setback, but scans confirmed that there was no damage to his ACL, which would have meant a lay-off of nine to 12 months. However, Coleman is not expected to play for Everton again this season.
READ MORE: Player watched on 24 occasions and four-time signing make best David Moyes' Best Everton XI
READ MORE: Sean Dyche faces Dominic Calvert-Lewin dilemma at Wolves as Everton braced for double blow
And writing in his programme notes ahead of Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, he admitted that he is gutted that he cannot play his part as the Blues bid for Premier League survival.
He said: "The old football adage that you should never take anything for granted has certainly been applicable in the past two weeks.
"First of all, I feared the worst when I was taken off on a stretcher at Leicester City. It's never a good feeling to get injured, but coming so close to the end of the season made it feel worse.
"Thankfully, the subsequent scans showed there was no lasting ligament damage, and I will be back playing a lot sooner than I first feared.
"And by the way, a huge thank you to everyone who wished me well via social media. I'm not big on social media, I must admit, but the messages of support gave me a big lift when I needed one.
"I am just gutted I can't actually influence any of the games on the pitch, but, as always, I will be amongst the lads in the dressing room offering any help I can."
Despite the disappointing defeat at Goodison Park, the Blues remain in control of their own Premier League destiny thanks to results elsewhere, and Coleman believes it is important that his side continue to take care of their own business.
"There are still a few potential twists and turns left in this Premier League season, but we know if we take care of our business, we will be okay," he said.
One player who has impressed in recent weeks has been Dwight McNeil. The winger, who joined the Blues from Burnley in the summer, scored twice as Everton hammered Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex at the start of this month.
"I am so pleased for Dwight McNeil to be showing what he’s all about," Coleman said. "He’s a class player, and the Evertonians are seeing that now on a regular basis.
"He’s playing with such confidence, and that was demonstrated so clearly when, in the last minute at Brighton, he could have just held the ball in the corner, but he decided to whack it in the top corner of the net instead."
READ NEXT
Everton are letting opponents off the hook - it's time to embrace the dark arts
What Pep Guardiola did at full-time after fuming with Everton defender Yerry Mina
Nathan Patterson gives honest verdict on Everton displays and makes relegation prediction
Pep Guardiola sends Sean Dyche message after being impressed by Everton
Everton analysis - Dominic Calvert-Lewin is not the only concern Sean Dyche has just been handed
