London, Nov 26 (IANS) Everton left-back Leighton Baines was Tuesday sidelined for some of the English Premier League (EPL) matches with a fractured toe in last Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
He is likely to be out for a period that ranges from 10 days to six weeks.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez confirmed the news Tuesday morning after the England defender underwent an X-ray at the weekend, reports Xinhua.
“It has been confirmed that Leighton has got a fracture in one of the bones in his right foot, which is the phalange,” said Martinez.
“We need to treat that now and see how it develops. It could mean anything from missing six weeks to being back in 10 days because it depends how the fracture heals.”
The 28-year-old was forced from the field after 50 minutes of the 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Goodison Park. The defensive midfielder Gareth Barry then filled in the left-back role.
Though losing his first-choice left fullback who has started in each of the 12 league games this season, Martinez said there would be various other options available to him during Baines’ recovery period.
“We have got other players at the football club who can play in that position, from Bryan Oviedo to Tony Hibbert and Sylvain Distin to John Stones. We have got many, many options.”
Martinez’s side are ranked seventh in the Premier League table after 12 rounds.
After hosting Stoke, Saturday, Everton have two challenging trips to Manchester United and Arsenal, who lead the table and are seven points above the Toffees.
