Everton have confirmed that Leighton Baines will be out of action for up to six weeks, as a result of the broken toe which he sustained during the Merseyside Derby last Saturday.
The Everton star picked up the injury in the first half against liverpool after a collision with his England team mate Jordan Henderson. Baines carried on after the break however, but was forced to limp off after 50 minutes. X-rays have since revealed that he suffered the dreaded fractured metatarsal, an injury well known amongst England supporters, and one which seems to become a lot more common in the year leading up to a major tournament.
Leighton Baines has been in great form so far this season, putting in some excellent displays for Everton, also contributing with 2 spectacular costless-kicks. Baines also got his first ever England goal in a qualifier earlier this year, with many England fans starting to believe that he deserves a place in the starting eleven, ahead of the consistent and experienced Ashley Cole.
The injury will come as a huge dissappointment to Everton fans, but Martinez will be hoping for the best, explaining how an injury such as this one "could mean anything from missing six weeks to being back in 10 days. It depends how the fracture heals". If Baines is unable to recover ahead of schedule, he will miss a busy festive period, including key fixtures such as Manchester United away. He is also set to miss the games against Stoke, Arsenal, Fulham and Swansea, a big loss for the Toffees. With 7 games in the next four weeks, it is a crucial part of the season and Baines will be hoping to get back to full fitness as soon as possible, to try and help his side establish themselves in the race for Champions League quqlification.