Kone set for 'long' lay-off

London - Everton's Ivory Coast international striker Arouna Kone is to undergo knee surgery that could rule him out for the rest of the season, manager Roberto Martinez revealed on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old, who signed from Wigan Athletic during the close season, damaged cartilage in his knee during Everton's 2-1 win over Hull City in the Premier League last month.

"We had disappointing news (that Kone) will need a bit of a period away," Martinez told the club's in-house television channel.

"We need to give him a lot of support because he was enjoying his role when he came on against Hull and then he got a nasty incident that is going to keep him away for a long time.

"He had a loosened body, a bit of cartilage in his knee, so we need to repair that, which will take time. It's going to be a long spell out and that's disappointing."

Kone has made five league appearances in the league this season, but is yet to score for Everton.