Football
Mike Whalley 9y

Everton's Leighton Baines could be out until November with ankle injury

LIVERPOOL -- Leighton Baines is likely to be out until November if he needs a second operation on his ankle, Everton manager Roberto Martinez says.

Baines is waiting for the results of a scan to determine whether he needs surgery to sort out the injury he picked up in training just before last Saturday's Premier League match against Watford.

The left-back had an operation in early May to correct a persistent ankle problem, and was not able to resume playing until July 26, when he featured in a 3-1 friendly win at Scottish Premiership side Hearts.

Martinez has warned that another operation would probably rule out the 30-year-old once again for the best part of three months, meaning he would not be able to play again until early November.

Baines suffered his latest injury when the ball struck him on the ankle during a training session and the manager said: "We'll find out a bit more later today but I don't expect Leighton to be involved in the next two squads.

"If he needs surgery, he will be out for around the same period he was previously. If he doesn't need surgery it will be a lot quicker.

"The previous surgery Leighton had means that is an extra sensitive part of his body, so it's important we're careful, but we're going to get a clear idea of what the problem is and what to do next."

Martinez said that, even if the defender's absence is a long one, he plans to give him a significant role with the squad.

He said: "He's going to be missed on the pitch, as you can imagine, but he's going to take a bigger role around the players and is going to become a big leader.

"His influence is going to be very, very important, even when he's not on the pitch."

Martinez does expect winger Kevin Mirallas to be fit for Saturday's Premier League trip to Southampton, though.

Mirallas suffered a swollen ankle after being the victim of a heavy challenge by Watford midfielder Velon Behrami during the 2-2 draw at the weekend, but tests have shown there is no serious damage.

"Kevin Mirallas has reacted really well," Martinez said. "We were shocked when we looked at the action again. It was very fortunate. It was a very bad challenge.

"In any other situation, if Kevin had been a little bit unfit or catching up a bit with his fitness, he would have ended up with a broken leg.

"It's such a bad challenge, but he's reacted really well. I expect him to train today, and I think we're quite positive with Kevin for the weekend."

Winger Gerard Deulofeu and midfielder Muhamed Besic are back in training after missing the Watford game because of hamstring problems, although may need time to regain full match fitness.

Aiden McGeady is also ready to resume full training after recovering from a persistent hamstring injury, but will not be ready to face Southampton.

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