Everton boss Roberto Martinez says that defender Leighton Baines has been showing tremendous improvement over the hamstring injury that he suffered during international duty. The England international had to withdraw from the friendly against Scotland after suffering an injury. Hamstring injuries usually take around 3 to 4 weeks to cure, but given the importance of Baines to Everton, it is expected that the Merseyside club may rush him back from injury. After an inconsistent start to the season, Roberto Martinez’ team are undefeated in the last four and will want to continue this form going into the Christmas period.

Everton take on West Ham at Goodison Park as club football returns this weekend. Martinez says that Baines has suffered a hamstring injury, but a minor one. Hence, he has refused to put a date on the return of the defender. Even if he misses the game against West Ham, Everton will be keen to have him back before next weekend given that they face important matches against the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City. Martinez also game an update over the injuries suffered by James McCarthy and Darron Gibson, who were with the Republic of Ireland.

Based on the update, it is looking unlikely that the duo will be involved against West Ham. “Scans revealed he had a grade one hamstring injury. Those injuries depend on the individual and how quickly they can heal. Leighton is responding well to treatment. It is too early to say how long he is going to be out but we remain very positive. James hasn’t been able to train with the team and that is a worry on a Tuesday leading up to a Saturday game. It’s a soft tissue injury, like Leighton Baines has, where you need to take it day by day to see how he recovers,” said Martinez.