Soccer-Everton's Funes Mori faces nine months out after surgery

Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori is expected to miss a big part of the next Premier League campaign after undergoing further surgery on a knee injury that will sideline him for six-to-nine months, the club said on Wednesday.

The Argentina international played 23 league games for Everton last season but sustained the season-ending injury while on international duty in March.

Any hopes the 26-year-old had of returning early next season were dashed, however, after the defender suffered a serious setback during his recuperation.

"Ramiro Funes Mori has had a problem within his knee and has undergone further surgery in Barcelona which will require prolonged rehabilitation of a minimum of six to nine months," the club said on their website. (www.evertonfc.com)

Everton's injury list also includes midfielder Ross Barkley, who underwent surgery for a groin injury, as well as long-term absentees Yannick Bolasie and Seamus Coleman.

The Merseyside club play their final game of the pre-season tour against Belgium's KRC Genk on Saturday before the first leg of their Europa League qualifier on July 27.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)