Everton star Iliman Ndiaye was left visibly distraught and in tears after being forced off with an injury just 25 minutes into the Merseyside derby.
Ndiaye, 24, has been one of Everton’s standout performers this season, especially in recent weeks under new manager David Moyes. But his bright start against local rivals Liverpool was cut agonisingly short after appearing to pick up a serious knee injury following an innocuous foul by Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Senegalese winger attempted to play on but went down in the 23rd minute and was soon replaced by Jack Harrison. Ndiaye broke down in tears as he trudged off the pitch and put his shirt over his head, with team-mate Abdoulaye Doucoure consoling him.
It was 1-1 at the time of his injury, with Beto having opened the scoring for hosts Everton on 11 minutes. Premier League leaders Liverpool quickly responded through Alexis Mac Allister, who nodded in Mohamed Salah’s cross.
“Sometimes you just know the severity of the injury when it is your own body,” former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said on commentary for TNT Sport. “You just hope the injury isn’t as bad as it seems right now.”
There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.
Pleasecheck back regularly for updates on this developing story.
Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.
What do Liverpool need to clinch the title? Keep up with all the Reds news with our FREE daily newsletter