Leighton Baines Injury: Updates on Everton Star's Knee and Return

Everton left back Leighton Baines had been dealing with a knee issue that kept him out of the team's clash with Liverpool on Feb. 7, and missed the team's clash with Chelsea on Feb. 11. He returned for the team's clash with Leicester on Feb. 22.

Continue for updates.

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Baines Returns vs. Leicester

Sunday, Feb. 22

Everton revealed Baines was in the starting lineup against Leicester after missing the club's match against Chelsea on Feb. 11.

On Feb. 20, Roberto Martinez told reporters that Baines was fit to return for Sunday's match, according to Everton's official Twitter feed. 

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Baines Out Vs. Liverpool With Knee Issue

Saturday, Feb. 7 

According to Everton's official Twitter feed Baines is being held out of the squad for the Liverpool derby:

Phil Kirkbride of the Liverpool Echo reports that a knee injury is the culprit:

After the match, manager Martinez talked about the injury, according to Everton's official Twitter feed: 

Baines remains an important player at Goodison Park, where his combination of defending skill and offensive incision is key to success.

Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

The 30-year-old is just as likely to burst beyond his opposite defender as he is to make a vital challenge, as his all-action nature continues to define the Toffees' best qualities.

Baines is able to wallop free-kicks home without hesitation, also taking the majority of corners and penalties with precision accuracy. Everton certainly lose some of their pizzazz down the flank when he misses out, leaving Martinez with a difficult readjustment to make.