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

After suffering an ankle injury late in Everton's game against Sunderland on May 9, star defender Leighton Baines was sent for surgery that will rule him out until next season. 

Continue for updates. 

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Baines Comments on Operation, Timeline

Tuesday, May 26

The Liverpool Echo passed along comments from Baines regarding his surgery and recovery:

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“I’m progressing day by day but I’m still wearing the boot so I can’t do much,” Baines said.

“I’m just working on getting the ankle moving again and getting the swelling down.

“It was the right time to get the operation done because if I had waited until the end of the season I would have been touch-and-go for the start of the [new] season.

“It gives me time to get the things done during the summer to get up to speed and hopefully join in with the lads towards the end of pre-season.”

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On May 14, Tony Barrett of the Times reported that Baines would undergo surgery on his ankle, according to manager Roberto Martinez.

Baines injured himself on May 10 against Sunderland, according to Everton's official website.

It's the latest setback for Everton in what has been a trying season. The team will not qualify for Europe, failing to live up to expectations after an excellent 2013-14 season. 

Baines, however, has remained a crucial player for the club, starting 31 games and scoring two goals while adding an impressive nine assists from his defensive position. His steady presence in defense and dangerous left foot on free kicks would be sorely missed down the stretch for an Everton team looking to close the season on a high note.