Friday 5 August 2016 10:29, UK
Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic has been ruled out of action for six months after suffering a knee problem.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina international was injured during Wednesday's match against Manchester United in Wayne Rooney's testimonial at Old Trafford.
Besic confirmed the news on social media. He stated: "Six months out. Devastated."
The 23-year-old, who joined the Toffees from Ferencvaros for £4m in the summer of 2014, has been blighted by injuries during his two years at Goodison Park.
Last season, a hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea in September sidelined him for four months .
He made his comeback on Boxing Day but a recurrence of the problem within a month then put him out again until March.
Speaking to Sportske in Bosnia, Besic's father Meho said: "I spoke with Muhamed. He was disappointed and just crushed because of injury."
Besic's injury boosts the chances of new £7.1m arrival from Aston Villa Idrissa Gueye - manager Ronald Koeman's only outfield signing since taking over in June - playing a major part in the first half of the season.
Gueye will make his debut in the home friendly against Espanyol on Saturday but in light of Besic's injury, Koeman may have to dip into the transfer market for reinforcements
