Everton have confirmed Andros Townsend suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in their 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon at Selhurst Park.
The winger started the Blues' FA Cup quarter-final clash at the weekend but was substituted after just 16 minutes having gone down in the corner of the pitch under no challenge. After receiving a long spell of treatment, Townsend was carried to the sideline rather than using the stretcher that was brought onto the field.
The 30-year-oid, who was replaced by Demarai Gray, is set to undergo surgery next week on the issue, and it has been confirmed that he has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. However, an exact timeframe on Townsend's return cannot be revealed at this early stage.
Following surgery, the England international will begin his rehabilitation programme with the club's medical staff at Finch Farm. Townsend has made 27 appearances for Everton this season following his summer move to Merseyside, scoring seven goals in all competitions in that time.
