Leighton Baines undergoes succesful ankle surgery

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that defender Leighton Baines has undergone an operation on his ankle, which will keep him out of action until the start of pre-season.

The England international was withdrawn 74 minutes into his side's 2-0 home defeat against Sunderland last weekend.

Martinez hinted after the disappointing loss that Baines would miss the Toffees' final two games of the campaign as a result of the long-running injury, and he used his weekly press conference this morning to confirm the news.

"We had Leighton's ankle checked. He has had surgery. It was straightforward. He will be out until the start of pre-season," the Everton boss told reporters. "We have found the solution [to the ankle problem]. His time out will now allow him to be refreshed."

Baines has made 41 appearances for club and country this season.