Everton FC

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• Manager:David Moyes

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Baines blow rocks Moyes

11 Dec 2007 - 14:46:05

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Everton's prediction for Leighton Baines' return to first-team action has been too optimistic and the former Wigan Athletic star may now be sidelined for up to six weeks.

It had been hoped that Baines would be able to play in the club's busy festive programme, but the hamstring problem he picked up in Saturday's win against Fulham is more severe than was originally diagnosed.

Manager David Moyes confirmed to the club's official website: "We've had the results of the scan and it looks like Leighton is going to be out for between four to six weeks.

"It's a blow because he's done so well for us. With Alan Stubbs also out, we're a little bit limited at the back.

"We've been really pleased with Bainesy and he'd looked sharp against Fulham, but this is something that happens sometimes.

"He had a bad ankle knock against Derby and before that had been in really good form.

"Tony Hibbert has missed a couple of games with stiffness in his back, so we'll have to see how he is.

"Nuno (Valente) is doing a little bit better and fortunately his hamstring problem isn't anywhere near as severe as Bainesy's."