Everton thankful midfielder Tom Cleverley didn't fracture leg

Everton does not yet know the full extent of midfielder Tom Cleverley's ankle injury, but the club is relieved that he didn't fracture his leg last weekend.

A legal tackle from Tottenham's Eric Dier caught Cleverley, whose right leg crumpled under the weight. The 26-year-old was then stretchered off.

He damaged his ankle ligaments in the process, but escaped a much more serious setback.

"We have mixed feelings because we feared the worst when that challenge happened," manager Roberto Martinez told the club's official website.

"We thought that it was a fracture and to have a fracture at this stage of the season for Tom would have been devastating because his form has been terrific."

Cleverley moved to Everton from Manchester United in the summer on a five-year deal.