Baines injury frustration continues

Leighton Baines had been cleared for a comeback by Ronald Koeman in last Thursday’s pre-match press conference, but later that afternoon continued to feel discomfort in his hamstring and pulled out of the matchday squad and did not travel as Everton took on Manchester City.

The England international injured his hamstring leading up to the trip to Bournemouth and has been out of action since late September.

The Liverpool Echo are now reporting that he is still a doubt for this weekend’s game at Burnley.

Bryan Oviedo has filled in for him in that period, surviving torrid first halves against Crystal Palace and City. While not abjectly dismal, Oviedo has proved to be inadequate for the level of the Premier League, and has provided little attacking dimension to the Blues’ left wing in his recent run in the first team.

The options are thin in the backline too, with Brendan Galloway out on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Luke Garbutt at Wigan Athletic.

Interestingly, Ramiro Funes Mori features at left back for the Argentina national side and has been on the left for a three-man backline at the Blues, but has not been used as a left back. Recently, his agent had made some noise about Funes Mori needing playing time or else he would be interested in leaving, so this could be an option to get him on the pitch.

Either way, Everton will be hoping to get Baines back sooner than later as the campaign wears on.