Roberto Martinez hopes to have Tom Cleverley back in 6-8 weeks

It could be November when Tom Cleverley takes the pitch again at Goodison Park.

On Thursday, Everton manager Roberto Martinez provided an update on the injury the midfielder suffered during his club's scoreless draw at Tottenham Hotspur, stressing that the player's ligament damage is expected to keep him on the touchline for a minimum of six weeks.

"With that sort of injury, ligament damage, you can normally expect a period of six-to-eight weeks," Martinez said. "Knowing Tom and how fit and strong he is, maybe we are looking at the six-week period rather than the eight-week period. It's along those lines.

"He's a strong boy and hopefully he'll be back quicker than any medical report will say."

There were initial fears that the injury was a fracture, as Cleverley's right leg was crumpled under the weight of a tackle from Eric Dier.

Related: Everton thankful midfielder Tom Cleverley didn't fracture leg

Since signing a five-year deal with Everton during the summer transfer window, Cleverley has been included in Martinez's starting XI for all four of the club's fixtures so far this Premier League season.