Leighton Baines missed Everton's opening match of the Premier League season against Watford and Roberto Martinez confirmed after the match that the left-back has injured his left ankle again.

The left-back had surgery on the same ankle in May, but he re-injured his ankle ligaments whilst preparing for the Watford match in training this week.

It is not known exactly how long the England international will be out for but Martinez said "it is not going to be just two or three weeks."

A "disaster"

The Everton manager, speaking after the Toffee's 2-2 draw with Watford, said Baines' injury is a "real disaster".

"It was devastating... He had worked so hard and looked stronger than ever", Martinez added.

The former Wigan manager said that he doesn't think he has seen Baines looking as "powerful and refreshed" in the two seasons Martinez has been at Goodison Park, but Baines has now suffered a "big knock".

Asked whether Baines would need another operation, Martinez replied: "We don't know, but it could be. After the inflammation, we will find out."

Left ankle continues to trouble Baines

Baines missed the final two matches of last season after having surgery on the same ankle which has troubled him over the last few seasons.

Martinez said that Baines "blocked the ball and it hit him in exactly the same place where he had surgery."

Everton have options

Martinez has options over who can replace Baines at left-back, with both Brendan Galloway and Bryan Oviedo capable replacements.

19-year-old Galloway started for Everton against Watford after impressing in pre-season, and he gave another confident performance both in defence and attacking intent.

Martinez could also call upon Costa Rican international Ovideo. Oviedo, who replaced Kevin Mirallas after 77 minutes against Watford, is a fan favourite at Goodison Park but will be looking to revive his Everton career after an injury troubled few seasons.

Of course, Everton have another left-sided defender in Luke Garbutt, who signed a new five-year deal at Everton earlier this summer, but he is on a season-long loan at Sky Bet Championship side Fulham.

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About the author
Adam Bailey
Everton editor, who also covers cycling and athletics.