Eliaquim Mangala vows to return "even stronger" from knee injury

On-loan Everton defender Eliaquim Mangala has vowed to return "even stronger" after undergoing surgery on a knee injury that looks likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.

The 26-year-old suffered the suspected ligament damage in the first half of the Toffees' 3-1 win against Crystal Palace on February 10 - just his second appearance for the club upon joining on a temporary basis from Manchester City.

Manager Sam Allardyce recently suggested that he does not expect to have the French centre-back in his ranks before the end of the season, though Mangala has posted a positive update on his official Instagram page.

Operation done. Now, let's get to work, to come back #EverStronger. 🚑💪🏿🏋🏾‍♂ "Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up."👊🏿 #BatManga🦇

A post shared by Eliaquim Mangala (@eliamangala) on Feb 28, 2018 at 6:55am PST

"Operation done," he posted. "Now, let's get to work, to come back #EverStronger. Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up. #BatManga."

Mangala was sent on loan to Everton on January deadline day after being deemed surplus to requirements by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.