Martinez indicates Baines could return in two weeks
In-form Everton could be set for another boost next month, with Leighton Baines nearing a return to fitness.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mhYPL5RiERhgcegwzVjZRB.jpg)
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Leighton Baines could return to fitness in two weeks' time.
Baines has yet to play for Everton this season because of an ankle injury sustained on the eve of the new campaign.
The left-back's absence has not hindered Martinez's men, who head into Saturday's clash with Manchester United on a run of seven matches without defeat in all competitions.
And the Merseyside club could be set for a further boost, with Martinez indicating the England international may return by next month.
"With Leighton, you don't want to set a time for a comeback, because there is always the possibility he could be ahead of schedule," Martinez said on Thursday.
"But he is not very far off at all. We had a very good two weeks work and he is ready to rejoin the group. I'd say two weeks more."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack