England and Everton full back, Leighton Baines is set to be sidelined for three months after undergoing an ankle surgery to correct a problem he sustained in training.

Everton confirmed that the injury had been repaired but that the 30-year-old now faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation before he can return to first-team action.

A statement on www.evertonfc.com read: “Left-back Leighton Baines has undergone a successful ankle operation but is set to be missing for the next 12 to 14weeks.”

Everton revealed just ahead of their Premier League opener against Watford on Saturday that Baines had injured his ankle in training.

It is the same ankle on which Baines had surgery in May, a procedure that forced him to miss the final two matches of last season.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez said of Baines’ setback after the 2-2 draw with Watford: “We don’t know how long he will be out for, but it has been a real disaster.

“We were preparing for the Watford game and in one incident in training, he blocks the ball and it hits him in exactly the same place where he had surgery a few months back.

“It was devastating, because he had worked so hard and looked stronger than ever — I don’t think had seen him looking as powerful and refreshed in the last two seasons. Then there was this big knock.”

Baines could now miss over a dozen Premier League matches for Everton, including the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool, as well as five England matches.