Injury blow for Everton with Leighton Baines possibly out until December

Baines is expected to be out of action between 12 to 14 weeks after undergoing surgery on his injured ankle on Thursday, reports Sky Sports.

The England defender missed the end of last season after similar surgery on the same ankle and faces another rehabilitation of around 14 weeks.

The club confirmed on their website that England worldwide Baines had received surgery “to correct the problem” and that the “injury has now been repaired”.

Everton, who started the Premier League campaign with a 2-2 home draw against promoted Watford last weekend, travel to Southampton on Saturday.

Boss Roberto Martinez said he had a “perfect” pre-season and described the injury as a “disaster”.

‘We were preparing for the Watford game and in one incident in training, he blocks the ball and it hits him in exactly the same place where he had surgery a few months back.

After it happened, the Spaniard had told EvertonTV, “He (Baines) looked refreshed, he looked strong and he look at a really, really good level”. There are also question marks over the fitness of Bryan Oviedo, meaning Brendan Galloway has a wonderful chance to establish himself in the first-team.

Everton are considering a loan move for Dinamo Moscow’s former Manchester United left back Alexander Buttner. “He has been very impressive and is someone who can play in that position for us for a long time”.