Everton manager Sean Dyche says captain Seamus Coleman has undergone an operation on his knee injury and “should be fit for next season”.

Coleman, 34, sustained the problem during the 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City last week but stated after the game that he had avoided anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage.

Everton manager Sean Dyche says captain Seamus Coleman has undergone an operation on his knee injury and “should be fit for next season”.

Coleman, 34, sustained the problem during the 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City last week but stated after the game that he had avoided anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage.

Dyche confirmed on Friday that Coleman will not play again this season, as Everton continue their battle to remain in the top flight.

“Seamus did have an operation and it has gone well,” Dyche said. “All being well he should be fit for next season.”

Coleman’s future beyond the end of June remains a doubt, however. The Republic of Ireland international’s contract expires at the end of this season and The Athletic reported earlier this month that a new deal will be discussed in due course.

On the long-term future of Coleman, who has been at Everton since 2009, Dyche added: “I will be speaking to him ongoing. He is well in the loop where he sits at this football club.”

Dyche also commented on Andros Townsend’s return to action. The former Crystal Palace winger has not featured since injuring his ACL in March 2022 but returned to the pitch in Everton Under-21s final match of their Premier League 2 campaign earlier this week, playing the opening 45 minutes.

“He’s just started with us again, it’s early on in the process of getting truly fit,” Dyche added. “It’s great for him because it’s been a long haul. He’s back on the grass and enjoying it again and we want that to continue.”

Everton face Manchester City at home on Sunday, with Dyche’s side two points above the relegation zone with three matches remaining.

Next weekend they travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers, before ending the season with the visit of Bournemouth on May 28.