Everton's Baines to miss rest of season following ankle surgery

Leighton Baines will miss Everton's final two games of the season after undergoing ankle surgery.

Manager Roberto Martinez confirmed the news Thursday, saying that he expects the left back will return during the pre-season.

"Leighton had a little bit of instability in his ankle that flared up in the last two weeks and was really painful in the last game," Martinez told reporters ahead of Everton's meeting with West Ham. "We got it checked and he needed a little bit of repair work so he had surgery yesterday (Wednesday).

“It was a straightforward operation to clear the ankle and give it good stability."

Baines had been bothered by the ailment since 2012, but was able to play through it until the injury flared up during the team's loss against Sunderland.

"He will be back stronger than ever. He didn't want to miss playing - he always puts himself forward when he's not pain-free," Martinez added.

While Luke Garbutt replaced Baines against Sunderland, Martinez did not say whether the young defender will take his spot for the last two matches against West Ham and Tottenham.

It's been a disappointing season for Baines and Everton. He's only managed three goals and the Merseyside look likely to finish in the bottom half of the table.